Lee Jung-hoo finally enters a batting average of 0.260.... Returned to the real Lee Jung-hoo who is worth the money in August

[Financial News]  'Grandson of the Wind' Lee Jung-hoo (26, San Francisco Giants) swung a fierce bat in the match against the Tampa Bay Rays, shining even amid the team's 7-game losing streak. Especially in the matchup against Korean infielder Kim Ha-seong (29, Tampa Bay Rays), he recorded hits for two consecutive days, garnering fans' expectations.
Lee Jung-hoo started as the 5th batter and center fielder in the game against the Tampa Bay Rays held at Oracle Park in San Francisco on this day. He recorded 2 hits in 4 at-bats, continuing his streak of hits in the last 5 games. With his performance on this day, his season batting average rose from 0.257 to 0.260 (114 hits in 439 at-bats), and he boasted a hot batting average of 0.346 for the month of August.
Although he was out with a ground ball in his first at-bat in the 2nd inning, he improved his batting sense by connecting a first-pitch curveball from Tampa Bay starter Adrian Houser to a right-field single in the 4th inning. Although he failed to score due to a lack of follow-up hits, his performance energized the team.
The highlight of the game was the 6th inning. With runners on first and second with one out, he hit a big ball to right-center, but unfortunately, it was caught by Tampa Bay right fielder Jake Maeng-geom's brilliant defense. However, San Francisco did not miss the opportunity created by Lee Jung-hoo and took the lead 1-0 with Christian Kos' timely hit.
In the bottom of the 9th inning, trailing 1-2, Lee Jung-hoo took on the role of a problem solver again as the leadoff batter. He got on base with a right-field single, raising hopes for a tie. He then boldly stole second base, achieving his 10th stolen base of the season, showcasing his 'power and speed'. This marked a milestone as he achieved double-digit stolen bases for the first time in his second year in the major leagues. Although the subsequent batters remained silent and the team couldn't prevent the loss, his never-give-up play left a deep impression on the fans.

Meanwhile, Kim Ha-seong of the Tampa Bay Rays also shone with 1 hit and 1 stolen base in 4 at-bats, alongside Lee Jung-hoo. The matchup of the two Korean major leaguers provided another joy for Korean fans.
San Francisco, which lost 2-1 on this day, fell into a 7-game losing streak, remaining in 4th place in the National League West with 59 wins and 64 losses. On the other hand, Tampa Bay continued their 3-game winning streak, maintaining 4th place in the American League East with 61 wins and 63 losses. The two teams are scheduled to play the final game of the 3-game series on the 18th.


jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter