The wild performance of the wind's son is changing the gaze of the local American media. Amid the pouring praises, the prospect that Lee Jung-hoo will become the new franchise superstar of the San Francisco Giants stood out the most.
Lee Jung-hoo started as the third center fielder in the second game of a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 16th (Korean time), achieving 2 hits and 1 run batted in with 4 at-bats and scoring 1 run.
With the score tied at 2-2, the first hit came in the top of the sixth inning with one out and no runners on base. As he entered, he hit an 83.7 mph (134 km) sweeper from Philadelphia starter Jesus Luzardo, driving it into right field for a double. This marked his first hit in 8 at-bats after going hitless with 3 strikeouts the previous day. Additionally, he hit his ninth double of the season, regaining the lead in the Major League Baseball double department.
Lee Jung-hoo's on-base success led to a score. After reaching third base due to a wild pitch in a one-out, one-on-first-and-second situation following Matt Chapman's walk, he stepped on home plate when Wilmer Flores hit a ground ball to the shortstop, breaking the 2-2 tie.
Lee Jung-hoo did not stop. In the eighth inning, trailing 3-6, he came through with a one-run hit in a no-out, one-on-first-and-third situation. Facing left-hander Jose Alvarado, he connected on a high 100 mph (160 km) sinker after an 8-pitch duel, achieving multi-hits for the first time in 2 games since the game against the New York Yankees on the 14th.
Lee Jung-hoo's batting average rose from .322 to .333, and his OPS increased from 1.038 to 1.052.
The American media outlet BVM Sports noted, "Lee Jung-hoo is emerging as a potential star center fielder for the San Francisco Giants in his first full season in Major League Baseball. In just 15 games, he has shown impressive performances both offensively and defensively," adding, "San Francisco is currently one of the hottest teams in Major League Baseball. Lee Jung-hoo is playing a key role in the team's success. Recently, his performance has been outstanding."
Lee Jung-hoo's future also looks bright. The outlet stated, "As the season progresses, Lee Jung-hoo's performance will gain more attention. If he continues to maintain outstanding results, he could establish himself as one of the best center fielders in the league and compete for the National League batting title," and added, "Lee Jung-hoo's impressive start to the season and talent suggest he could transform the Giants' lineup. He has the potential to rise as the new franchise superstar of San Francisco.
However, because he has a history of injuries, the outlook for his future is not entirely rosy. BVM Sports remarked, "Lee Jung-hoo has made an excellent start, but the season is long, and maintaining consistent performance over 162 games is no easy task. His past injury history raises questions about his long-term consistency and health."
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