“Bae Ji-hwan saved Pittsburgh.”
The momentum of Bae Ji-hwan (Pittsburgh Pirates) is amazing. On the 12th (Korean time), in the 2023 major league home game against the Houston Astros held at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, he started as a first baseman twice and scored 1 hit in 5 at-bats (1 home run) and 3 RBIs and 1 goal.
The one hit was a walk-off home run. At the end of the 9th inning, when the score was tied 4-4, 1 company, 1st, 2nd baser Ryan Presley of Houston hit a ball count 2B2S and a 6-pitch changeup, bursting into a three-run four to end the superiority. It was the second home run in his major league debut and the first walk-off home run of his career. On this day, even Choi Ji-man hit a home run, making it the first time in history that two Korean major league batters hit a home run in the same game.
Choi Ji-man and Bae Ji-hwan, who started the season as the unwavering first baseman, are actually in different phases. Bae Ji-hwan did not stand out much with a batting average of 0.234, 2 RBIs, 6 points, and an OPS of 0.535 in 19 demonstration games. However, after being dramatically included in the opening entry, it continues to have an impact.
8 hits in 33 at-bats, batting average 0.242, 2 homers, 6 RBIs, 6 runs in 9 games so far, OPS 0.750. He is a multiplayer agent who moves between second baseman, shortstop, and outfielder. He showed great performance in the outfield as well, and this time, he drew attention again with a powerful walk-off home run. Presley’s changeup was well laid low, but Bae Ji-hwan hit it well with a compact swing. It wasn’t a mismatch. 안전놀이터
Pittsburgh is actively using young players and trying to complete the rebuilding. This is a boon for Bae Ji-hwan. Moreover, as the main shortstop O’Neal Cruz was injured, Rodolfo Castro built a system with shortstop and Bae Ji-hwan at second base. It means that Bae Ji-hwan has prepared a foothold to continue the upward trend.
In addition, Bae Ji-hwan thrilled Pittsburgh fans and players with his bold ‘Fast Dawn’ as if he had intuitively sensed a home run. If Bae Ji-hwan establishes himself as a punchy center infielder in Pittsburgh, he can forget Kang Jung-ho (retired) who served on this team.
The Pittsburgh team’s official Twitter account said, “Bae Ji-hwan saved Pittsburgh.” MLB.com said, “Bae Ji-hwan sent the spectators home happily.” Bae Ji-hwan also told MLB.com, “I was angry because I had no hits in 4 at-bats. It just came out with a bat flip.”