Choi`s Two Run Homer Brings Victory

Finally a big hit!

The long-waited homerun Hee S. Choi of the Chicago Cubs punched yesterday in an exhibition finally came.

The homerun was hit in a split-squad game held yesterday in Arizona between the Cubs and Anaheim Angels, winner of the World Series last year. Following number-one ML slugger Sammy Sosa, he secured the fourth spot in the line-up as first baseman. In the first, he got struck out with runners on first and second. His second time at bat came in the third inning, with a runner on first.

The mound was defended by southpaw Mark Lukasiewicz. At one strike, he knocked a fast ball on the inside over the right fence. It was a 115m home run, turning the game over for the Cubs. Choi`s homer led his team to victory over the Angels 2-1.

This is Choi`s season first home run in 15 exhibition games. So far, except singles, he has hit three doubles and one triple. This home run has proved the slugger-worth of Choi. It was meaningful in that Choi knocked a screamer to right field off a ball thrown by a left-handed pitcher. Choi previously was believed to be weak against left-handed pitchers.

But Choi, who got struck out in the fifth, and got a walk in the eighth, recording one hit for three with 2 scores. Throughout the 15 exhibition games, his batting average has come to 0.324. He also recorded one home run and 6 RBIs. For the first time this season, he played through all nine innings, indicating Cubs manager Baker would put him in the lineup during the regular season.

Choi`s rival for first base, Karros, performed excellently against the Milwaukee Brewers in the other split-squad, recording a grand slam with 5 RBIs. For now, however, Baker seems to be leaning toward Choi.

"I know Mark very well. Last year, we met a lot of people in the Minor League,” Choi said smiling, after the game. “I talked with him. He told me he made a mistake. I feel good about working a chance out of the mistake."

Meanwhile, Byung Hyun Kim of the Arizona Diamondbacks took the mound as a starting pitcher against the San Diego Padres. But, due to his failed ball control, he allowed 3 hits, 4 walks and 2 runs in three innings. Nonetheless, he avoided recording a loss, since the Diamondbacks won the game 3-2.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com