Home   >   Sports   >   Kang Jung-ho breaks out of slump with 3 RBI double

Kang Jung-ho breaks out of slump with 3 RBI double

April 22, 2015
Pittsburgh Pirates' Jung Ho Kang, of South Korea, watches his three-run double off Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jason Motte in the seventh inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, April 21, 2015. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jung Ho Kang, of South Korea, watches his three-run double off Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jason Motte in the seventh inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, April 21, 2015. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

By Brian Han

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Kang Jung-ho made a case with his bat Tuesday after a three RBI double in the bottom of the seventh inning.

He received a standing ovation from Pittsburgh fans after he broke the tie and gave the Pirates an 8-5 lead over the Chicago Cubs.

Back in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), Kang built a reputation as a offensively gifted middle infielder with a penchant for power. His searing line drive over Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler reminded fans that he can hit hard.

Tuesday’s game was somewhat of a breakout performance for Kang as he went 2-for-4 after a frustrating slump that boosted the shortstop’s average to .176.

Pirates closer Mark Melancon blew the save in the ninth after giving up three runs resulting in a 9-8 loss at home in PNC Park.

Kang started in place of Jordy Mercer who is still recovering from a bruised chest after being hit by a wild pitch Sunday.