The performance of Kim Hye-sung (26) of the Los Angeles Dodgers also brought a smile to baseball national team coach Ryu Ji-hyun.
On the 7th (Korea time), Kim Hye-sung started as the No. 9 second baseman in a game against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, recording 1 hit and 1 run in 4 at-bats.
Leading off in the top of the 3rd inning, Kim Hye-sung faced a curveball from right-handed starter Cal Quantrill but was caught out on a fly to left field. In the 5th inning with 2 outs, he managed to get a hit after a tough battle with Quantrill that went six pitches, hitting a four-seam fastball traveling at 94.2 miles per hour (151.6 km/h). However, he was caught in a sharp pickoff throw to first base.
In the 7th inning, with the Dodgers trailing 3-4 and no outs with a runner on first base, Kim Hye-sung aimed for a slider from right-handed reliever Lake Burch, but it turned into a groundout to the first baseman, resulting in the runner being caught at second base. However, Kim Hye-sung showcased remarkable speed, charging from first to home on Shohei Ohtani's 1-RBI double to create a tying run.
In the tense 9th inning with 1 out, Kim Hye-sung went up to bat for the last time but struck out swinging on a slider from right-handed reliever Jesus Tinoco, as the Dodgers lost 4-5 after extra innings.
Kim Hye-sung, who recorded a batting average of .304 over 953 games in the KBO League (3,433 at-bats, 1,043 hits), along with 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, 591 runs scored, and 211 stolen bases with an OPS of .767, challenged major league entry through posting after last season, signing a maximum contract of $22 million (about 30.7 billion won) with the Dodgers for 3+2 years. However, he ended up starting the season in Triple-A after managing only a batting average of .267 over 15 spring training games (29 at-bats, 6 hits), with 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 6 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases for an OPS of .613.
While readjusting his batting in the minor leagues and aiming for a call-up, Kim Hye-sung recorded a batting average of .252 over 28 games (115 at-bats, 29 hits), along with 5 home runs, 19 RBIs, 22 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases for an OPS of .798. He was called up to the major leagues on the 4th, following Tommy Edman's placement on the injured list.
Upon stepping onto the big league stage, Kim Hye-sung has been making an impact. He only appeared as a defensive substitute in his debut but showed his speed as a pinch runner on the 5th, stealing a base and advancing further on a strikeout that was not caught. In the game on the 6th, he recorded 2 hits in 4 at-bats, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 stolen base, marking his first hit, RBI, and score in his debut. Although it was unfortunate to be caught in a pickoff attempt, he showcased his speed once more to create a tying run.
In an interview on the 7th, Coach Ryu Ji-hyun noted, "I also watched (Kim Hye-sung's game) broadcast. The desperation was palpable even on screen. He really showed how much he wanted to play. It is very encouraging for the national team that good players are performing well on a big stage like the major leagues. I expect that if they can finish the season without injury and the best players join the World Baseball Classic (WBC) national team, we will certainly meet the performance that fans are anticipating."
Kim Hye-sung's successful debut in the major leagues coincided with Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco), who recently struggled a bit, also demonstrating his presence with his 4th home run of the season. He is currently posting a batting average of .312 over 36 games (138 at-bats, 43 hits), with 4 home runs, 23 RBIs, 27 runs scored, 3 stolen bases, and an OPS of .871.
The WBC, scheduled for March next year, is expected to see a star-studded lineup of major leaguers, including Lee Jung-hoo, Kim Hye-sung, Kim Ha-sung (Tampa Bay), and Tommy Edman (Dodgers). Coach Ryu Ji-hyun said, "The overseas players are currently performing their roles very well, and players with national team experience in the KBO League are in good condition. I am also going around observing everyone in the ballparks. I want to build the best roster and reward the fans with good results as we hope for."
"Our national team has not been able to achieve good results in tournaments like the Olympics or WBC, which fans consider important," Coach Ryu Ji-hyun expressed regret, adding, "That is why expectations for next year's WBC are even greater, and I feel a heavy sense of responsibility. Therefore, we are moving very quickly compared to previous tournaments. I believe that good results will come from a good process."
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