Orioles’ Kim Hyun-soo gets on base twice, but three-game hitting streak ends

March 15, 2016
Baltimore Orioles' Kim Hyun-soo, of South Korea, reacts after getting called out on strikes as Toronto Blue Jays' Jesse Chavez get set to toss the ball to the pitcher during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 15, 2016, in Dunedin, Fla. Catching for the Blue Jays is Russell Martin (55). (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Baltimore Orioles’ Kim Hyun-soo, of South Korea, reacts after getting called out on strikes as Toronto Blue Jays’ Jesse Chavez get set to toss the ball to the pitcher during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 15, 2016, in Dunedin, Fla. Catching for the Blue Jays is Russell Martin (55). (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

By The Korea Times Los Angeles staff

Baltimore Orioles’ Korean outfielder Kim Hyun-soo’s modest three-game hitting streak came to an end Tuesday. He did get on base twice — once by taking his first walk in the U.S. and once by getting hit by a pitch for the second time this spring – but also struck out twice.

The 28-year-old left-handed hitter had raised his hitting average to .103 over the weekend, after getting off to a dismal 0 for 23 start, but was not able to keep it north of .100 for another game.

After taking Monday off, Kim was inserted as the designated hitter in the sixth slot in the batting order against the Toronto Blue Jays in Grapefruit League action in Florida.  Kim got called out on strikes to end the first inning with runners on first and second against Blue Jays starter Jesse Chavez, but got on base to leadoff the fourth. That was the second time in four games that he got hit by a pitch, which could be an indication that he is still being aggressive at the plate.

Kim then got to face Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna in the sixth and went down swinging.

Kim was lifted for a pinch-runner after getting his first walk in the U.S. against Wade LeBlance to open the eighth inning.