San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo reached the 100-hit mark this season, arriving at the milestone just before the All-Star break while maintaining a steady stroke at the plate.
Lee started Saturday at Oracle Park in San Francisco as the No. 7 hitter and right fielder in a home game against the Colorado Rockies, going 1-for-4.
Entering the day with 99 hits on the season, Lee collected his 100th in his first at-bat. His season batting average stands at .309, with the record now reading 100 hits in 324 at-bats.
The hit came in the bottom of the second inning with San Francisco leading 1-0. With two outs and no runners on, Lee drove a first-pitch low slider from Colorado starter Tanner Gordon into right field for a single.
The hit was not immediately confirmed. Colorado right fielder Tyler Freeman appeared to make a diving catch on the ball, and the umpires initially ruled it a hit before Colorado challenged the call. After a lengthy video review, the original ruling was upheld, confirming Lee's 100th hit of the season.
Lee reached base but did not score. The batters behind him went quiet, and he was stranded.
He produced no further hits in his remaining at-bats. With one out in the bottom of the fourth, he grounded out to first base. With no outs and a runner on first in the bottom of the sixth — the score tied at 1-1 — he was limited to a flyout to center.
In his final at-bat in the bottom of the eighth with San Francisco ahead 2-1, Lee grounded out to shortstop. The ball struck the mound and bounced sharply toward the Colorado shortstop, who had shifted near second base, ending any chance of a hit.
San Francisco could not hold on. The Giants protected their lead through eight innings but surrendered it in the top of the ninth, losing 3-4. Lee did not get another turn at the plate.
With the All-Star break approaching, attention across MLB has turned to standings races and trade market activity. For San Francisco to mount a second-half turnaround, Lee's ability to get on base consistently and the middle of the lineup's capacity to drive in runs will grow increasingly important.
Meanwhile, San Diego Padres infielder Song Seong-mun and Minnesota Twins reliever Ko Woo-seok did not appear in games Saturday.
kwater@heraldcorp.com
