Kim Hye-sung, playing for the Oklahoma City Dodgers Triple-A team, has extended his hitting streak to three consecutive games.
On the 14th (Korean time), Kim Hye-sung started as the No. 1 shortstop in the away game against the Round Rock Express (Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers) at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas.
The start was promising. In his second at-bat in the third inning, with one out and no runners on base, Kim faced a full count of 2B-2S and hit a fifth pitch changeup for a hit to right field. In his second at-bat, he went down on a Samjin.
Kim was out on a fly ball to left field with two outs in the fifth, and in the seventh, after one out, he swung and missed at a full count, resulting in another Samjin. In the ninth, with two outs, he reached base on a hit-by-pitch, achieving multiple times on base.
With 1 hit in 4 at-bats that day, Kim Hye-sung's season batting average dropped from .293 to .290, and the team lost 3-6.
Meanwhile, the U.S. sports media 'Sporting News' highlighted Kim Hye-sung's performance on the 13th, stating, "Kim Hye-sung, who is active in Triple-A under the Dodgers, is proving the need for a big league call-up. Kim performed remarkably, hitting consecutive home runs in the game on the 13th. In particular, the second home run showcased an impressive distance of 462 feet (about 140 meters)."
It also added, "Kim Hye-sung is currently recording 17 hits in 58 at-bats with a .293 batting average and an OPS of .962 in Triple-A, continuing explosive results with 3 home runs, 4 stolen bases, and 13 RBIs."
'Sporting News' remarked, "For now, the Dodgers do not need to make room for Kim Hye-sung because infielder Tommy Edman is performing remarkably well," and pointed out, "Kim Hye-sung signed to play in the major leagues, and it would be a waste to keep him in the minors while he is delivering outstanding results."
The media stated, "The Dodgers should call up Kim Hye-sung to give him an opportunity and see if he can play an important role in the team's future."
[OSEN]