“What is Harper doing?”

San Francisco Giants player Lee Jung-hoo showcased his presence on both offense and defense. It was particularly a day to recognize Lee Jung-hoo's true worth in defense. On the 16th (Korean time), he started as the third center fielder in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, going 2 for 4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. The team lost, 4-6.

However, after a hitless 5 at-bats in the previous game on the 15th, Lee Jung-hoo broke his silence with a hit after 7 consecutive hitless at-bats until his first two plate appearances that day. In fact, although there can be slumps in batting, it is said that there are no slumps in defense. This is one of the long-standing maxims in baseball.

Lee Jung-hoo demonstrated the mentality of not carrying his batting struggles into his defense. In the bottom of the 3rd with one out and a runner on first, Kyle Schwarber hit a high fly ball toward Lee Jung-hoo. He easily caught the ball. At that moment, the runner on first, Bryce Harper, attempted to tag up and advance to second base. However, Lee Jung-hoo threw accurately to second base as if he already knew, catching Harper comfortably. It was his first assist of the season.

That day, the San Francisco broadcasting team noted, “I don’t know what Harper was thinking, but Lee Jung-hoo was prepared and didn’t panic at all,” adding that “he quickly removed the ball from his glove and threw it on one bounce for an easy catch for the second baseman,” praising Lee Jung-hoo's calm throw.

The out was a product of ambition from Bryce Harper, a major league superstar who signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019 and was a two-time MVP, eight-time All-Star, and four-time Silver Slugger winner. While it could be seen as a surprising move, Harper may have underestimated Lee Jung-hoo's throwing ability.

However, Lee Jung-hoo recorded a total of 51 assists over 7 seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization. He was a strong arm who averaged over 7 assists per season.

Fortunately for Harper, he hit a crucial two-run homer in the bottom of the 7th, otherwise, the base running blunder in the 3rd would have been an easy target for the zealous Philadelphia fans known as the 'Philly Fanatics.' According to the 'Sports Talk Philly' collection of reactions from Philadelphia fans on X (formerly Twitter), they expressed intense responses.

Regarding this base running blunder, comments such as ‘Harper made a questionable decision’, ‘What is Harper doing?’, ‘Why did he tag up there?’ and ‘Harper’s first stupid mistake of 2025’ criticized Harper's misplay.

On that day, Lee Jung-hoo carried his solid defense into his offense. He recorded 2 hits in 4 at-bats with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. In the first at-bat of the 1st inning, he grounded out to first base, and in the second at-bat in the 4th, he was struck out by Samjin.

However, in the 6th inning, tied at 2-2, he didn't hesitate to swing at an 83.7 mph sweeper from starter Jesús Luzardo in his third at-bat. The ball passed by first baseman Bryce Harper and reached second base easily. The exit velocity was 95.7 mph (154 km/h). He later scored.

In the 8th inning, trailing 3-6, Lee Jung-hoo put up a run in a no-out situation with runners on the first and third. He faced elite left-handed setup man José Alvarado, who has a career total of 109 holds, and after an 8-pitch duel, he hit a 100 mph sinker to drive in a run with a single to right, showing his determination to chase.

However, despite Lee Jung-hoo's outstanding performance in both offense and defense, San Francisco lost, 4-6. They marked the season with 12 wins and 5 losses.

[OSEN]