Shortstop Kim Ha-seong, First Home Run of the Season Bang!... It's Just the Beginning

[Financial News]  Kim Ha-seong (29, Tampa Bay) reported his first home run of the season.
Kim Ha-seong started as the fifth batter and shortstop in the away game against Boston at Fenway Park, Massachusetts, on the 11th (Korean time) and recorded a two-run home run.
His first at-bat was a groundout. In the top of the second inning with one out and no runners, he hit the first pitch, a 92.2 mph (about 148 km/h) four-seam fastball from Boston starter Walker Buehler, but it resulted in a groundout to shortstop.
However, in his second at-bat, Kim Ha-seong's bat came alive. In the top of the fourth inning, with one out and a runner on first base, trailing 0-1, he hit an 88.9 mph (about 143 km/h) slider on a 3-ball-2-strike count.
The ball went straight over the left field wall, soaring over the Green Monster and landing in the outfield stands. It was his first home run of the season. With Kim Ha-seong's big hit, Tampa Bay turned the game around to 2-1.
In subsequent at-bats, there was some disappointment. In his final at-bat in the top of the eighth inning, he battled Garrett Whitlock, a Boston bullpen pitcher, for eight pitches but struck out swinging.
On this day, Kim Ha-seong recorded 1 hit in 4 at-bats (1 home run) and 2 RBIs, continuing his streak of hits in four consecutive games. His season batting average rose to 0.333 (5 hits in 15 at-bats).
The game ended with Tampa Bay losing 3-4 due to bullpen struggles. Bryan Baker, who took the mound in the bottom of the seventh inning, faltered and allowed the winning run.
Kim Ha-seong contributed valuable runs to the team with his home run, but it did not lead to a team victory.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter