Kang Jung-ho gets first Pirates RBIs

Kang Jung-ho picked up his first Major League Baseball hit for the Pittsburgh Pirates with a bases-clearing double. Kang started at shortstop for two straight days as Jordy Mercer was given a red light due to chest pain, boasting of his extra-base hits with three RBIs and a two-base hit.

Playing at the PNC Park in Pittsburgh Wednesday against National League Central rival Chicago Cups, Kang made two hits and three RBIs in four bats living up to expectations of manager Clint Hurdle. With no hits in three bats the previous day, Kang was the sixth hitter Wednesday, who struggled in second inning with a ground ball on third base, but in the fourth inning made a left front hit. However he was put out in first base due to a pick-off throw. In the sixth inning, Kang hit a ground ball at second base when the runners were out at first and second base with one out, but moved the runners to second and third base with sacrifice batting. The next hitter, Francisco Cervelli made, a timely hit allowing all the runners arrive home base that enabled a tie with the rival team.

At the seventh inning 5-5 tie, Kang had another chance. Pitcher Jason Motte was the second savior who under two outs and runners at first and third base gave Starling Marte, who had made his fifth home run at the second inning, four ball pitches for an intentional walk to the first base. He opted to play against Kang. Motte was finishing pitcher for St. Louis before he had Tommy John surgery. He had recorded 42 saves in the 2012 season. Filling all the bases, Motte, at a 0-1 ball count, threw a fast 96 mile ball. Having shown weakness in fast balls, Kang however hit the ball that came toward his upper body for three RBIs with a two-base hit. The Pirates reversed the situation 8-5, but finishing pitcher Mark Melancon imploded in the ninth inning as the Pirates blew a late three-run lead and lost to the Cubs, 9-8.

After the game, Kang said, "(When the rival pitcher chose me at the seventh inning) I believed it was a chance for me to prove myself and to show my capabilities." Hurdle said Kang was good and this game will make him gain confidence, and that he hit left with a much improved batting. Pirates` KDKA radio caster Tim Neverett said Kang`s three RBIs with two-base hit will be a headline in Korea, reflecting huge interest from Korea.