'Grandson of the wind' Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants) knocked out the ace pitcher, who placed second in the American League earned run average last year, with persistent eyes on the game.
On the 1st (Korea time), Lee Jung-hoo started as the third center fielder in the first game of the three-game interleague series against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, and went 1-for-4 with one walk and two runs. Over the weekend, Lee Jung-hoo finished the opening three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds with a batting average of .300 (3 hits in 10 at-bats), two RBIs, and four runs scored along with a .417 on-base percentage and .400 slugging percentage. He soared with a multi-hit game with one RBI the previous day and carried that momentum into Houston. The early flow was sluggish. In the top of the first, with the game tied 0-0 and two outs and no runners on base, Lee faced Houston starter Ronel Blanco. After a foul ball on the third pitch of a 0B-2S count, he hit a curveball on the fourth pitch but made contact poorly, resulting in a ground ball to the pitcher. Blanco was the pitcher who posted a 13-6 record and an earned run average of 2.80 over 30 games last year, ranking second in the American League in ERA. In the fourth inning, leading 1-0, he led off but after a swing and miss on the first pitch, he grounded out to the second baseman on a low changeup from Blanco after the second pitch. He achieved his first on-base in his third at-bat. In the top of the sixth, leading 2-0, he led off and after a seven-pitch battle, drew a walk. After falling into a 1B-2S count, he watched two balls calmly to force Blanco off the mound. It was the moment he reached base for four consecutive games after the season opener.
Lee Jung-hoo advanced to second base on a walk from Patrick Bailey with two outs and one on base, and then scored on Wilmer Flores' three-run home run to left field.
In the top of the seventh, leading 5-0 and with one out and one on base, Lee Jung-hoo was retired on a flyout to center field. In the top of the ninth, with two outs and one on base and the score 5-2, he came to the plate for his final at-bat. Facing Rafael Montero, he fell into an unfavorable 1B-2S count but managed to hit a low splitter on the fourth pitch for a double to right-center. This marked three consecutive games with a hit for him. Afterward, he scored on Matt Chapman’s two-run single.
Lee Jung-hoo's season batting average dropped from .300 to .286. Thanks to the 'perfect three-hole hitter' Lee Jung-hoo's performance, San Francisco defeated Houston 7-2, achieving an early victory in the three-game series and extending their winning streak to two.
Meanwhile, Lee Jung-hoo's performance was accompanied by news of a donation, adding warmth to the day. The Korea Red Cross Society stated, 'Lee Jung-hoo, the Korean player of the San Francisco Giants, donated 10 million won to the Korea Red Cross Society to support recovery from the recent wildfire damage.'
The large-scale wildfires that occurred in early March in various regions across Gyeongnam, Gyeongbuk, Ulsan, and Jeonbuk have taken away the homes of many residents, leaving disaster victims in great difficulty due to the destruction of forests and residential areas. In response, Lee Jung-hoo decided to make this donation to help residents in the affected areas.
Lee Jung-hoo said, 'I felt heavy-hearted hearing that many areas were affected by the wildfire. I decided to donate in hopes of providing even a small help.'
He further noted, 'I sincerely hope those affected can recover their daily lives as soon as possible and smile again.'
Kim Cheol-soo, president of the Korea Red Cross Society, remarked, 'Lee Jung-hoo's warm heart will provide great comfort and strength to the affected residents. We will swiftly deliver the donations to the necessary places.'
Lee Jung-hoo has also been recognized for his consistent charitable actions. In 2024, he provided scholarships for local youth baseball players, and with this donation, he once again demonstrated his social responsibility.
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