It was a very disappointing day for Lee Jung-hoo (27, San Francisco Giants). Designated hitter Wilmer Flores (34) swept all the runners away in front of Lee Jung-hoo, hitting 3 home runs and driving in 8 runs for his 'best game of his life.'

On April 17 (Korean time), Lee Jung-hoo started as the third batter and center fielder in the home game against the Oakland Athletics held at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, contributing to the Giants' 9-1 victory with a multi-hit, recording 2 hits in 5 at-bats, including 1 double.

Recently, Lee Jung-hoo has extended his hitting streak to 5 consecutive games, raising his season batting average from .286 to .289 (50 hits in 173 at-bats). His OPS also increased from .812 to .818.

However, on this day, Lee Jung-hoo had no runners on base in 5 at-bats. Flores, who has been batting second for the last two games, eliminated all the runners in front of Lee Jung-hoo with home runs, bringing them home.

It all started with a grand slam hit in the 3rd inning with no outs and the bases loaded. Flores faced left-handed starter JP Sears of the Athletics in a long at-bat lasting up to 10 pitches, and he hit a fastball that was right down the middle over the left fence, marking his 8th home run of the season. This was his 7th career grand slam.

In the 4th inning, with 2 outs and runners on 1st and 2nd, Flores flew out to center field, ending the inning with a chance for Lee Jung-hoo. Then in the 6th inning, with 1 out and runners on 1st and 2nd, Flores hit a three-run home run over the left-center field, again eliminating runners in front of Lee Jung-hoo. This was his 9th home run of the season.

In the 8th inning, he exploded with a solo home run in a situation with 1 out and no runners on base, marking his 10th home run of the season and setting a personal record of 3 home runs in one game, driving in 8 runs. The 8 RBIs also set a personal best for him. For Flores, it truly was the game of his life.

According to 'MLB.com', Flores said after the game, 'It was a really great day. It was my favorite game in my 13-year career,' and added, 'I have always imagined hitting 3 home runs in one game, but it doesn’t happen often. While I've hit 2, hitting 3 requires a lot of factors to come together. Today was one of those days.'

Wilmer Flores, a right-handed infielder from Venezuela, made his Major League debut with the New York Mets in 2013 and has been playing for San Francisco for his 6th year since 2020 after spending time with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019. He has recorded a total of 163 home runs and a personal best of 23 home runs in a single season (2023). This season, he has played 44 games, batting .266 (42 hits in 158 at-bats) with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs, ranking him 1st in both leagues tied with Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) for the most RBIs.

It is the first time in 24 years since 2001 that a San Francisco player has recorded over 40 RBIs in the first 45 games of the season, a feat accomplished by 'home run king' Barry Bonds (45 RBIs). He shows a particularly strong capability in clutch situations with a batting average of .395 with runners in scoring position (17 hits in 43 at-bats) and 5 home runs.

Teammate outfielder Mike Yastrzemski noted, 'Flores has played in the league for 13 years and has experienced everything in any situation. He knows exactly what to do at that moment. While he may have failed more often in those situations, that experience leads to success.' Ace pitcher Logan Webb also praised him, saying, 'Flores is a true professional. He is my favorite player. It is a pleasure to see him every day.'

After posting the worst statistics last year with a batting average of .186 (4 hits in 214 at-bats), 4 home runs, and 26 RBIs with an OPS of .595, Flores ended his season early due to a knee injury in late July. This year marks his comeback season. He stated, 'It means a lot to me, as I was a slow starter who has not had good seasons. I feel good that I’ve started well since April. I feel like I am helping the team.'

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