San Diego Padres outfielder Ha-Sung Kim (28) has been hitting really hot. 메이저놀이터
Kim started at first base against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park in San Diego, California, on Saturday (June 6) and went 1-for-4 with a home run, a run scored, and a walk. San Diego went on to win 8-3.
In 106 games this season, Kim has emerged as one of the best leadoff hitters in the majors, batting .353 (101-for-101) with 15 home runs, 41 RBIs, 61 runs scored, 24 doubles, and an .839 OPS. Thanks to his stellar defense, he is tied for first in the National League in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with National League MVP candidate Ronald Acuña Jr. of Atlanta, according to Baseball-Reference.
Kim reached base multiple times on the day with one hit and one walk. It was his 13th consecutive multi-hit game and 14th in a row. He has also reached base in 32 consecutive games, excluding a 1-for-4 performance as a pinch-hitter in Toronto last month.
Kim’s stats during his 14-game hitting streak have been nothing short of spectacular. He’s batting 4-for-9 (21-for-49) with four home runs, eight RBIs, and 12 runs scored. In addition to his 21 hits and 14 walks, he’s drawn 35 walks and stolen six bases. His slugging percentage is a whopping 5-for-5. This is a great performance for a leadoff hitter who needs to get on base and steal bases. His all-around OPS of 1.270 is not far behind MVP candidate Acuña Jr.
Kim started the season in the bottom of the batting order behind newcomer Xander Bogaerts at second base, but he gradually moved up to the leadoff spot, starting with his first at-bat on June 1 and becoming a regular leadoff man by the end of June. He’s now playing the most at-bats in the leadoff spot, and his numbers are looking good: 36 games, 3-for-2, 45 RBIs (139 at-bats), 9 home runs, 18 RBIs, and a .991 OPS.
Fans are excited to see how he finishes the season, as he’s having one of his best seasons yet.