Kim Ha-seong (27, San Diego Padres) was praised for his game-winning hit on an unfavorable pitch count.
The San Diego Union-Tribune highlighted Kim’s performance while reporting on the game between the Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park in San Diego, California, on April 19 (KST).
The media outlet called Kim “San Diego’s savior this season.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Kim hit a game-winning two-run single with runners on first and third. After seeing a first-pitch slider that was called a strike, Kim fumbled the bat on a second-pitch slider. He then lined a slider back up in the zone for a double to center field.
Kim’s batting average in two-strike situations is .244, which ranks sixth among all National League hitters, according to the outlet.
Manager Bob Melvin praised Kim’s ability to stay focused in two-strike situations and his ability to make in-play pitches. “We’ve seen him take awkward swings at pitches and still make plays,” he said.
Melvin also praised Kim’s defense, saying, “You could play him in the outfield and he’d be just as good.”카지노
“He’s a good defender with excellent instincts. He doesn’t play third base very often, but when he does, he makes plays. He handles the ball well and has good quickness. He’s one of the best defenders in the league and his play this year is Gold Glove-caliber. No matter where you put him, he does his job.”
San Diego defeated Arizona 4-0 on the day. After Ha-Sung Kim hit a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning, Fernando Tatis Jr. came up to bat and hit a two-run home run to seal the deal. The win kept San Diego’s National League postseason hopes alive.
Tatis Jr. credited Kim with the win. “He was awesome today, just like he’s been all season. He’s one of the best players in the league,” he said.