San Diego beat the Dodgers 15-11 in the second game of the opening of the "MLB World Tour Seoul Series 2024" at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 21st. San Diego laughed after a slugfest in which both teams exchanged a total of 33 hits (17 San Diego and 16 Dodgers). After avenging the 2-5 come-from-behind loss to the Dodgers in the opening game on the 20th, the opening two consecutive games in Seoul were completed with one win and one loss.
According to U.S. media including MLB.com , it is the first time that San Diego scored 15 points against the Dodgers. It is the first time in 25 years that the Dodgers lost even after scoring 10 or more points since the game against the Colorado Rockies (10-18 defeat) at Coors Field on Sept. 18, 1999. It was the first time in history that a game was played at Gocheok Stadium.
The Athletic said, "San Diego completed an unforgettable trip to Korea. It was a memorable game as it was a massive scoring game." The two teams ended their historic two consecutive games by dividing the two games into one win and one loss. It was meaningful that they recorded the most points against the Dodgers in a single game. We will not forget this away game in Korea, and we must not forget it."
Korean shortstop Kim Ha-sung of the San Diego Padres garnered two walks and recorded an RBI and a stolen base in the opening two consecutive games, but he was the only player with no hit in seven times at bat to fail to garner a hit. However, he was warmly welcomed by fans in his home country at Gocheok Dome, his old home ground where he visited for the first time in four years as a Major League player. "It was a really good trip, an enjoyable trip. I think it will be an unforgettable memory for the rest of my life," Kim said.
The Athletic said, "How can Kim Ha-sung and his teammates forget what happened here? There were problems with false bomb threats and defective gloves (of Jake Cronenworth) in the opening game. Jackson Merrill and Yuki Matsui also made debuts in the Major League. There was also shocking news that the Dodgers fired Shohei Ohtani, a longtime interpreter, during a federal investigation into gambling organizations in Southern California," summarizing what happened during the Seoul Series.
The Seoul Series, which became a hot topic for the first regular season game in Korea, has been a hot topic for a week since the arrival of the two teams on the 15th. Major League's top star Shohei Ohtani made headlines when he unveiled his wife for the first time, and an interpreter who spent 12 years with him was fired for theft and gambling. The spotlight was focused on Ohtani, but the players of both teams left unforgettable memories for Korean fans with their best performance and special fan service during their visit to Korea. The team, which toured various attractions in Seoul and even toured them, also expressed their gratitude for the hospitality of Korean fans.
San Diego manager Mike Shildt said in an interview after the game on Monday, "I want to say thank you so much to Korea and Seoul. Your hospitality was fantastic. It was a great experience coming here. There were many things going on, but I'm also grateful to the staff who helped the players focus on the game. I'm grateful to everyone in Seoul."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, "It would have been nice if we had won two games, but the experience in Korea was definitely a plus for our team. I'm glad that both teams were able to return home safely without getting hurt," adding, "I think it helped to boost Major League baseball's popularity in Korea. It was beyond words. We had a successful series thanks to the Korean fans and staff who welcomed us. I am grateful."
Players also expressed their gratitude to their Korean fans through SNS. San Diego's Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish left a message saying "Thank you Korea" and a Korean national flag emoticon. San Diego outfielder Meryl, who reported his first hit in Korea, also wrote "Korea Gamsahabnida." Kim Ha-sung also said, "It was the Seoul Series that I was so grateful for. Thank you so much for the support of so many fans. Although I'm sad that I couldn't get a hit, I feel like I'm returning to Korea after receiving so much love. I'll work even harder to come back to the U.S. and show good performance."
The San Diego Padres will hold its last exhibition game against the Seattle Mariners from June 26 to 27, and then hold its home opener against the San Francisco Giants on June 29 at Petco Park. The Dodgers will hold the last three consecutive exhibition games against the Los Angeles Angels from June 25 to 27, and then hold its home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at the Dodger Stadium on June 29.
BY: 스포츠토토핫