In extra innings, Song Sung-mun of the San Diego Padres, who entered as a pinch runner, scored the walk-off run, leading his team to their fifth consecutive victory. Bae Ji-hwan of the Milwaukee Brewers also scored as a pinch runner, but his effort was overshadowed by his team’s loss.
On Thursday, Song made his mark in a home game against Milwaukee at Petco Park in San Diego, California. Entering as a pinch runner in the bottom of the 11th inning, he stole second base before crossing home plate for the game-winning run, securing a 4-3 victory for the Padres.
With this win, San Diego improved to 65-57, leapfrogging the Arizona Diamondbacks (64-58) to claim sole possession of second place in the National League West.
On the flip side, Milwaukee (74-47) suffered a sweep in their three-game road series against San Diego. This setback allowed the Chicago Cubs (70-50) to close the gap in the National League Central, now trailing by just 3.5 games.
While Song and Bae weren’t in the starting lineup, the Korean big leaguer showdown materialized in extra innings.
Bae was the first to get the call off the bench. With the score tied 2-2 in the top of the 11th, Milwaukee inserted him as the designated runner at second base to start the inning.
Gary Sanchez then ripped a double down the third base line, allowing Bae to sprint home and score the go-ahead run.
However, Bae’s run wasn’t enough to secure the win for the Brewers.
In the bottom of the 11th, with one out and runners on first and third, San Diego substituted Song for Ty France at first base.
The Padres’ rally continued as Jackson Merrill hit a sacrifice fly to right field, knotting the game at 3-3.
Song then took matters into his own hands – or rather, his feet. After successfully swiping second base, he created a scoring opportunity and dashed home on Luis Campusano’s hit.
Milwaukee catcher Sanchez received the throw from the outfield and attempted to tag Song, but the speedy runner’s hand touched home plate first, sealing the dramatic victory for the Padres.