The world doesn't change just by hitting a double. Triple-A's second consecutive game of double Bae Ji-hwan, the decisive reason why it's hard to see a good performance
Apr 12, 2025
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Bae Ji-hwan started as the first left fielder in the minor league Triple-A away game against Louisville Bats (under the Cincinnati Reds) at Louisville Slugger Field in Louisville, Kentucky on the 12th (Korea time) and contributed to his team's 6-3 victory by scoring one hit (double) and one walk in four at-bats.
In particular, Bae Ji-hwan came out as a leadoff hitter in the top of the first inning and hit a left-handed double from opposing starter Carlson Spears. He pushed a four-seam fastball (92 miles) on the fourth pitch in the ball count 1B2S, and reached second base with his fast feet. At last, Reidoff seemed to realize his role.
Pittsburgh was able to score early as leadoff hitter Bae Ji-hwan went to the scoring position. Bae Ji-hwan advanced to third when his follow-up batter Nick York grounded out to second base, and Bae Ji-hwan homered on Henry Davis' timely double to score his team's first run.
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Bae Ji-hwan, who made a good hit in the first inning, did not show a good hit as if he relaxed again from the next at-bat. He grounded out to second base in his second at-bat after one out in the top of the third inning with a 2-0 lead.
He came out as a leadoff hitter in the top of the fifth inning when he was chasing 4-3, and only grounded out to second base again. This time it was a disappointing hit. The absolute advantage of the ball count 3B-0S occurred because it failed to get on base. Opponent pitcher Spears threw three consecutive balls and shook.
If Bae Ji-hwan is a smart hitter and wants a Major League call-up again, he should have gotten 100% on base here. It doesn't matter if it's a walk, a single hit, or a home run. Major League Baseball is a place where players who never miss this situation are gathered. Bae couldn't prove he was at this level either.
On the fourth pitch after the three-ball, 90.3 miles of four-seam came into the strike zone slightly outside the middle. Bae Ji-hwan only looked at him. 5th ball, optimal batting timing for ball count 3B1S. Just in time, Spears' 5th compartment came on a similar course to the 4th compartment. 89.8 miles (about 145 km) of four-seam fastballs. It's a ball that belongs to the slow axis. This should have been a hit. However, Bae Ji-hwan's swing was too powerful. A foul in the end.
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Bae Ji-hwan struck out while standing at the plate after two outs in the top of the seventh inning with a 5-3 lead. In his fifth ride after two outs in the top of the ninth inning, he walked and failed to score due to a failed follow-up.
In the end, Bae Ji-hwan hit a double on the day, but only one hit in four at-bats. In the meantime, his batting average is still only 0.250 (3 hits in 12 at-bats). All three hits are long balls, with one homer and two doubles. So despite the low on-base percentage, the OPS is 1.024.
However, these indicators are by no means well regarded. First of all, the average batting average is too low. A batting average in the mid-20s cannot have any impact at all. It is better to play a multi-hit game with two single hits than one double. There is no reason to be greedy for long balls. No one expects a long shot from Bae Ji-hwan anyway. We should focus on raising our batting average and on-base percentage by performing steadily. If the batting average exceeds at least 300, it can attract the attention of Major League Baseball. Call-up opportunities will not come only if you play a hundred days with one hit in four at-bats by hitting one double each.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
