Hart, who was removed in the first inning last year, overcame the shock.
Hart started in a home game against the Colorado Rockies in the 2025 Major League Baseball season on April 13 (Korea Standard Time) at Petco Park in San Diego, pitching six innings with one hit allowed, no walks, four strikeouts, and no runs, leading to San Diego's 2-0 victory and securing his second win of the season. His earned run average dropped from 11.12 to 5.40.
After recording 10 consecutive outs until allowing a double to Kyle Farmer in the fourth inning with one out, Hart delivered a perfect performance. He then retired eight consecutive batters again, achieving a quality start. While he received defensive support, Hart's pitches were sharp. He threw a total of 74 pitches, including his main weapon, the sweeper (27 pitches), as well as four-seam fastballs and sinkers (16 pitches each), changeups (8 pitches), and sliders (7 pitches). Although his maximum speed was 92.7 miles per hour (149.2 km/h), it wasn't extremely fast, but he displayed stability with precise control.
The victory was particularly meaningful as it came after overcoming the shock of being removed in the first inning in the previous game. On April 7, in an away game against the Chicago Cubs, Hart collapsed, allowing two hits, four walks, and five runs in just two-thirds of an inning, leading to an early removal. He needed 39 pitches to record two outs, and only 18 of those were strikes, indicating poor control.
However, in his appearance six days later, he made a remarkable comeback with his pitching. Major League Baseball's official website, 'MLB.com,' reported, 'At Wrigley Field, Hart lasted only two-thirds of an inning. He walked four batters from the first inning and couldn't find the strike zone, but this time it was a completely different version of Hart. He was efficient, and his command was precise. He struck out four batters without giving up any walks. The double from Farmer in the fourth inning was the only blemish.'
After the game, Hart reflected on the Chicago road trip, saying, 'It was probably the most embarrassing moment of my career. Many friends and family drove eight to ten hours to see that game, and it happened like that. I felt sick all week.'
He felt terrible because his family and friends traveled long distances to support him and he couldn't even last an inning before a swift removal. Hart, who was determined to devote himself, said, 'That's why it felt good to go back out there and give the team a chance to win.'
Although he only threw 74 pitches, Hart, who was replaced at the start of the seventh inning, said, 'I had to give our bullpen a chance to finish the game. If I don't realize how strong they are now, I would be a fool,' praising the San Diego bullpen.
After Hart left, Jeremiah Estrada, Jason Adam, and Robert Suarez pitched one inning each without allowing any runs, completing the 2-0 victory. San Diego boasts a formidable bullpen, ranking first in relief earned run average at 1.51. The team achieved its fifth shutout game this season and ranks second in overall earned run average at 2.86, demonstrating a solid pitching staff.
San Diego's star player and right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. praised, 'Our pitchers are performing excellently from the starters to the closers. It's fun to be behind them on defense. They continuously attack the strike zone.' San Diego, with a record of 12 wins and 3 losses (winning percentage .800) in the first 15 games, has made the best start in franchise history, currently leading the National League (NL) West by 1.5 games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers (11 wins and 5 losses).
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