"It is the best exchange between Korea and Japan."
Kim Hye-sung of the Los Angeles Dodgers showcased her presence in her Major League debut game, demonstrating remarkable performance. Simultaneously, the special hopping blessing from Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani is also drawing attention. It created a heartwarming scene that led fans to evaluate it as the best exchange between Korea and Japan.
On the 6th (Korean time), Kim Hye-sung started as the No. 9 hitter and second baseman in an away game against the Miami Marlins at Londepo Park in Miami, Florida, recording 2 hits, 1 run batted in, 1 run scored, and 1 stolen base out of 4 at-bats. She led the team to a 7-4 victory. Her performance was perfect in hitting, base running, and defense.
She stepped up to bat as the lead-off hitter in the 3rd inning for her first hit in the Major League but was retired on a fly ball to right field. In her second at-bat, she shone. Batting as the lead-off in the 5th, she hit a line drive on the outside fastball (155.5 km/h) for her first hit to left field. The hit slipped through the third baseman. Her teammates immediately retrieved the ball for her first hit. She successfully stole second base (her second of the season) and recorded her first scoring in the Major League as Ohtani hit a two-run home run over the right wall.
In her third at-bat, she achieved her first run batted in. With 2 outs and runners on first and second base in the 6th inning, she capitalized on a changeup from the opposing pitcher Phillips, and the ball turned into a timely hit that barely passed the shortstop. The runner on second base crossed home plate, marking her first run batted in in the Major League. In her first start, she achieved a multi-hit game, her first run, her first run batted in, and successfully stole base for the second time.
The Dodgers generated buzz by posting a video on their official social media showing Ohtani blessing Kim Hye-sung in the dugout. The scene captured Ohtani running a few times to high-five Kim Hye-sung. The Japanese media outlet "Sports Hochi" reported interestingly that he was happier and more blessed for his younger sister from Korea than for himself.
Furthermore, this scene caused a reaction among Japanese netizens, who remarked, "It was the best exchange between Korea and Japan," "Kim Hye-sung's smiling face is healing and so cute," "There are no borders in sports," and "Kim Hye-sung, who was on base before Ohtani, is excellent." The atmosphere regarded the meeting of Major League superstar Ohtani and Korean star Kim Hye-sung as something special.
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