Second base steal → 3rd base surprise possession, pinch runner Kim Hye-sung made ATL fans nervous in the 9th inningHowever, LAD, who missed the tie chance, ended seven consecutive wins
May 05, 2025
|
|
Kim Hye-sung played as a pinch runner in the last of three consecutive away games against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, on the 5th (Korea time). Kim Hye-sung, who was born as the 28th major leaguer as a Korean in the match against Atlanta on the previous day, failed to take the batter's box again on the day.
The Dodgers hired Kim Hye-sung, who was waiting on the bench, as a pinch runner in the top of the ninth inning, when lead Andy Parz pushed Atlanta closer Raisel Iglesias' seventh fastball to get on base on an infield hit to second base.
Kim Hye-sung succeeded in stealing second base in the next batter's pinch-hitter Will Smith's at-bat, creating a chance for second base and scoring with no outs. In ball count 1B1S, Iglesias' third slider was a ball outside, quickly started and was safe at second base. Second baseman Ajie Albies failed to catch Atlanta catcher Drake Baldwin's throw to second base. Safe timing even if you tag it properly.
|
|
However, No. 8 pinch hitter Miguel Rojas and No. 9 Austin Barnes struck out Iglesias' changeups and sliders, respectively, and the game ended as they were. The Dodgers, who lost 3-4, suspended their seven-game winning streak. Still leading the entire major league with 23 wins and 11 losses.
Atlanta's closing pitcher Iglesias was on the verge of a Blon save with Kim Ha-sung's flashy base running, and struck out all three outcounts with a powerful pitch, making six saves of the season without allowing a run.
Kim Hye-sung received a call-up from Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets the previous day and was registered on the major league roster. And he made his big league debut as a dream big league player in the bottom of the ninth inning when he played as a second baseman with a 10-3 lead. It was a moment I waited for more than a month in the minor leagues, focusing only on adapting. However, there were no defensive and batting opportunities.
And he finally played as a pinch runner in the offensive inning and stole a base, showing off the value of base learning by occupying second and third bases in a row with fast feet and judgment.
It is not known how much Kim Hye-sung will maintain his status as a big leaguer, but once Tommy Edman returns, he may go down to the minor leagues again.
Kim Hye-sung hit .252 (29 for 115) with five homers, 19 RBIs, 22 runs scored and an OPS of .798 in 28 games for the season in Oklahoma City. Kim Hye-sung was called up to the big league as Edman was on the 10-day injured list starting on the 1st due to a right ankle injury.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.