Song Sung-mun of the Samsung Lions delivered a standout performance in his Major League Baseball spring training debut during the LA Dodgers’ exhibition game against the San Diego Padres in Peoria, Arizona.
Impressive Contact Against Elite Velocity
The right-handed third baseman started as the designated hitter and went hitless in two at-bats with one sacrifice fly. Despite the Dodgers’ 5-1 victory, Song demonstrated elite bat speed against top-tier pitching.
In the sixth inning, with the Padres trailing 0-4 and two outs plus runners on second and third, Manny Machado pinch-hit instead. Earlier, Song battled Dodgers pitcher Carlos Duran, pulling a slider and fouling off four consecutive 157 km/h sinkers deep to right field.
On the next pitch—a 151 km/h fastball from a big-league debutant—Song launched a deep drive to right. Padres right fielder Dylan Cease dove for a spectacular catch, robbing what could have been a game-changing hit.
Ninth-Inning Strikeout Seals Debut
Song returned as a pinch-hitter in the ninth but struck out swinging against Christian Suarez, marking two straightouts in the game. He previously struck out twice on straight fastballs.
Background and KBO Dominance
Song joins Kiwoom Heroes’ Kim Hye-seong in the Dodgers’ spring camp as part of a KBO showcase ahead of potential World Baseball Classic representation. A planned matchup between the two fizzled as Kim sat out after delivering two hits and three RBIs the previous day.
In 2024, Song dominated the KBO with a .319 average over 134 games, including 19 home runs, 104 RBIs, a .927 OPS, and 179 hits. His pull power ranks among the league’s best third basemen.
Even overseas, Song posted a .917 OPS with 26 homers and 181 hits, cementing his status as a top slugger. Now in camp, he eyes a major league contract after four active seasons, training rigorously for international duty.
