LA Dodgers infielder Kim Hye-seong, who started for the second consecutive day, showcased his presence with a remarkable baserunning play that allowed him to sprint from first base to home plate.
On the 7th (Korea Standard Time), Kim Hye-seong started as the 9th second baseman in an away game against the Miami Marlins at Londepo Park in Miami, Florida, going 1-for-4 with one run scored, marking hits and runs for two consecutive days. Japanese sports media "The Digest" focused on Kim's performance, giving positive evaluations of his outstanding baserunning play.
In the 5th inning, with two outs and no runners on, Kim Hye-seong reached base with a single to center field but was caught stealing at first base. The Dodgers bench requested a video review, but the original call was not overturned. After reaching first base on a ground ball in the 7th inning, Kim scored on Shohei Ohtani's double.
"The Digest" reported, "Kim Hye-seong was caught stealing at first base in the 5th inning when Ohtani was at bat but created a dramatic moment in the 7th inning." It added, "Avoiding a double play, Kim Hye-seong showcased astonishing speed when he scored on Ohtani's double."
Blake Harris, a reporter, could not hide his amazement on his social media, noting, "When the outfielder was about to throw the ball, Kim Hye-seong was already rounding third base." Major League Baseball's official website, "MLB.com," also posted a video of Kim's explosive baserunning, describing it as "really flying."
Kim Hye-seong has recorded 3 hits, 1 run batted in, 2 stolen bases, and 2 runs scored in 8 at-bats over 4 games, impressively switching between second base and shortstop, capturing the hearts of Dodgers fans.
Fans expressed their admiration through social media and online communities, saying things like, "So fast," "First base feels like scoring position," "I hope he continues as a starter," "Perfect to use as a pinch runner in the second half," "The fastest runner on this team," "If Kim Hye-seong is at 9th, Ohtani's RBIs will increase," "Why wasn't he called up earlier?" and "He really looks like a rocket," the media reported.
"Due to Tommy Edman's sudden placement on the injured list, Kim Hye-seong, who was promoted to the big leagues, is proving his worth with confidence," the media highly praised Kim's performance.
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