Kim Ha-Sung (28, San Diego Padres) was told he deserved to be in the All-Star Game because of his defence. Kim retorted. He proved that he’s just as good on the basepaths.

Kim went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored while batting fifth in the lineup against the Cleveland Indians on 16 June at Petco Park in San Diego, California, USA.

After going hitless in his last four games, Kim raised his season average from .234 to .239 (48-for-201). He also hit a long ball for the first time in 10 days against the Chicago Cubs on 6 June.

Scene 1. Ha-Sung Kim’s bad foot
In the bottom of the first inning, with the bases loaded and no outs, Kim struck out swinging on a high fastball that was a weakness, but in the top of the third inning, with his team trailing 3-6, he took a low pitch from left-hander Logan Allen and lined it to left field.

Even more impressive was the dazzling run that followed. With runners on first and second and one out, Nelson Cruz singled to right field and pinch-runner Xander Bogaerts raced to third on the throw. Kim tagged up and stole second. The perfect outfield play brought the home fans at Petco Park to their feet.

Brandon Dixon’s slow grounder to first base allowed the runner at third to score and the runner at first was thrown out at the plate. With all eyes on first base, Kim made another run. A head-first sliding throw across home plate. The play was so close that Bogaerts didn’t even see it coming until Kim crossed home plate. San Diego quickly cut the deficit to 5-6.

Scene 2. A long ball in 10 days, and ‘crazy baserunning’ shines again
In the bottom of the fifth inning, with his team trailing 5-7, he led off and lined a fastball from reliever Eli Morgan to left-centre field. The ball went over the fence on one bound. A double was awarded. It was his 11th double of the season. The multi-hit game was especially welcome for Kim, who had been in a hitting slump since June.

Morgan followed with another ground ball, this time to shortstop. This time to the shortstop. Kim made a quick run and threw himself at it, narrowly missing a safe throw. Coincidentally, the hitter’s bat went to the third base bag and made contact with Kim’s sliding body, causing him some pain but no major problems. Once again, the Petco Park crowd went wild for Kim.

Trent Grisham followed with a big double, and Kim scored easily this time. It was his second of the day and 28th of the season 스포츠토토.

In the sixth inning, trailing 6-7, he was stranded at second base on a ball that looked like it was going out of play.

Despite Kim’s efforts, the team was unable to overcome the early deficit and lost 6-8. Unable to extend their two-game winning streak, San Diego remained in fourth place in the National League West with a 33-35 record.