Padres’ Korean MLB player Kim Ha-seong hits first home run in 12 games

Kim Ha-seong of the San Diego Padres hits a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, May 19. AFP-Yonhap

Kim Ha-seong of the San Diego Padres went deep for the first time in a dozen games.

Kim hit a solo home run as part of a 2-for-4 day at the plate, helping the Padres beat the Atlanta Braves 9-1 at Truist Park in Atlanta on Sunday (local time).

Kim’s previous home run came on May 4 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It was also Kim’s first multi-hit effort since April 24 against the Colorado Rockies, 21 games ago.

Batting ninth, Kim drew a walk to open the second inning, then singled off starter Bryce Elder to start the fourth inning.

He then swiped second base for his ninth steal of the season and scored on a Fernando Tatis Jr. double.

After striking out in the fifth, Kim took reliever Ray Kerr over left field for his sixth homer of the season.

That blast made it a 9-0 game for the Padres.

With shortstop Luke Williams on the mound for the Braves in a blowout game, Kim advanced to third in the ninth inning.

Despite his productive day at the plate, Kim is still hitting just .212/.325/.370 for the season after 48 games. Last year, Kim set career highs across the board with 17 homers, 60 RBIs and a .260/.351/.398 line in 152 games. (Yonhap)