San Francisco Giants' Lee Jung-hoo (26) has been showcasing a hot batting feel since the early part of the season.
On the 31st (Korea time), Lee recorded 2 hits, 1 run batted in, and 2 runs scored from 4 at-bats, starting as the number 3 center fielder against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. He led the victory with his first multi-hit game and a double of the season.
In the top of the first inning with 2 outs, Lee struck out swinging on a 5th pitch 91 mile-per-hour (146.5 km/h) cutter from right-handed starter Nick Martinez. In the 4th inning, he also faced Martinez's 5th pitch 81.4 mile-per-hour (131.0 km/h) changeup but was caught with a line drive to first base.
In the 6th inning with the score 1-0 after a solo home run by Heliot Ramos, Lee entered his third at-bat with 2 outs and a runner on second base, hitting Martinez's 3rd pitch 87.7 mile-per-hour (141.1 km/h) cutter for a 1-run double. He then scored on Matt Chapman's two-run home run.
San Francisco allowed a 3-run score in the bottom of the 6th inning, cutting the lead to 4-3. However, they regained a one-run lead in the top of the 8th with a sacrifice fly from Willy Adames. In his last at-bat, Lee, with 2 outs, hit a 3rd pitch 91.7 mile-per-hour (147.6 km/h) sinker from left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers for an infield hit. He subsequently scored on a walk by Chapman and a timely hit from Ramos, achieving his second run of the game. San Francisco won 6-3, thanks to Lee's contribution.
Having recorded a .304 batting average (1,181 hits in 3,476 at-bats), 65 home runs, 515 runs batted in, 581 runs scored, 69 stolen bases, and an OPS of .898 over 884 games in the KBO League, Lee Jung-hoo signed a 6-year, $113 million (approximately 1.663 billion won) contract with San Francisco in December 2023. Although he made his big league debut last year, he ended the season early due to a shoulder injury, finishing with a .262 batting average (38 hits in 145 at-bats), 2 home runs, 8 runs batted in, 15 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases, with an OPS of .641.
After a disappointing debut season, Lee Jung-hoo prepared for his second season with determination. In spring training, he showcased his batting skills, recording a .250 batting average (9 hits in 36 at-bats), 2 home runs, 5 runs batted in, and 10 runs scored with an OPS of .829 over 14 games, but he did not play much in the final days of spring training due to symptoms of an injury.
Despite injury concerns in the latter part of spring training, once the regular season began, Lee quickly dispelled doubts, swinging powerfully. He is currently batting .300 (3 hits in 10 at-bats), with 2 runs batted in, 4 runs scored, and 1 stolen base, recording an OPS of .817 after 3 games. With a good start to the season, Lee is fulfilling his role in the middle of the batting order. San Francisco also achieved a winning series with 2 wins and 1 loss in the opening three games.
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