San Francisco Giants' Lee Jung-hoo (27) struck the bat in disappointment after striking out in a critical moment. He successfully reached base three times without a hit, but it was a frustrating day overall as he was out at home while trying to score the winning run in the bottom of the 9th.
On June 26 (Korea time), Lee Jung-hoo recorded 1 at-bat, no hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit by pitch while starting as the 6th hitter and center fielder in the home game against the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California.
The previous day (June 25), Lee Jung-hoo, playing as the 5th hitter and center fielder against Miami, broke his 4-game hitless streak with 1 hit in 3 at-bats and 1 walk. On this day, he reached base multiple times but had no hits.
His season batting average dropped from .253 to .252 (73 hits in 290 at-bats). His OPS slightly increased from .726 to .730.
Facing Miami's right-handed starter Edward Cabrera, Lee Jung-hoo entered his first at-bat in the bottom of the 2nd with 1 out and no runners on base, reaching first base after getting hit by a pitch. He was struck on the left foot by Cabrera's first pitch curveball, which was clocked at 85.8 mph (138.1 km/h).
After reaching first base, Lee Jung-hoo stole second with the second pitch to the next batter, Willy Adames. However, he was caught by Miami catcher Agustin Ramirez's accurate throw to second base. It was his second stolen base attempt failure of the season.
As the lead-off batter in the bottom of the 5th, he walked to first base. With a full count at 3-1, Cabrera's fifth pitch, a 94.5 mph (152.1 km/h) sinker, came high and outside the strike zone. Although it was a strike, home plate umpire Lance Barrett did not raise his hand. Initially uncertain, Lee Jung-hoo walked to first base after the call.
Taking advantage of the umpire's call, Lee Jung-hoo successfully reached base for the second time. Following that, Adames had a single to left field, and Patrick Bailey executed a sacrifice bunt, advancing the runners to second and third bases. Then, he scored on a sacrifice fly by Cristian Cost, tying the game at 2-2.
However, during the crucial moment at the bottom of the 6th with 2 outs and runners on second and third, he failed to capitalize on a prime scoring opportunity. Facing Miami's right-handed reliever Roni Enriquez, he fouled off a low slider on the fifth pitch while the count was 2-2, but swung and missed on the sixth pitch, a low sweeper clocked at 85.8 mph (138.1 km/h).
Striking out on a swing and missing, Lee Jung-hoo could not hide his disappointment as he struck the home plate with his bat. It was a critical juncture, and he appeared to blame himself for not helping his ace pitcher Logan Webb, who needed a win condition. Webb pitched well for 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 6 batters with 2 earned runs, but left without a decision due to lack of run support.
Trailing 2-4 in the bottom of the 9th, Lee Jung-hoo had another chance with runners on first and second base with no outs. Against Miami's right-handed closer, Calvary Posey, he drew consecutive balls on the first and second pitches. The third pitch was just outside the low zone, but it was called a strike. The count was now 2-1, but Lee Jung-hoo remained unshaken, successfully choosing consecutive balls on the fourth and fifth pitches, creating a no-outs, bases loaded opportunity for the third time in the game.
However, a sacrifice fly to left field by Adames made it 3-4, and San Francisco narrowed the score gap with Bailey's timely single to left field, tying the game at 4-4. After the runner on third, Casey Schmidt, scored, Lee Jung-hoo dashed home aiming for the game-winning run.
Although Miami left fielder Kyle Stowers' throw was slightly off target, catcher Nick Fortes extended his left arm and caught Lee Jung-hoo as he tried to avoid the tag. Lee Jung-hoo could not avoid being tagged out at home for the game-winning score. It was a close call, and Lee Jung-hoo did not make the decision himself. Third base coach Matt Williams waved his arm to send him home, but it ended in failure.
With two outs and a runner on second base continuing, Lee Jung-hoo’s teammate Cost was retired on a line drive to third base, and San Francisco wasted its chance for a dramatic victory. In the 10th inning, closer Camilo Doval allowed consecutive timely hits to Otto Lopez and Eriberto Hernandez, resulting in 4 runs scoring, and they lost 5-8.
Recently suffering two consecutive losses, San Francisco's record now stands at 44 wins and 36 losses (winning percentage .550), making them tied for second place with the San Diego Padres in the National League (NL) West. The Miami Marlins, who have now won 3 straight, mark a record of 33 wins and 45 losses (winning percentage .423).
[OSEN]