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Kang Jung-ho continues to step up for Pirates with 9-game on-base streak

July 23, 2015
Pittsburgh Pirates' Jung Ho Kang hits a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, July 17, 2015, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jung Ho Kang hits a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, July 17, 2015, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

By Brian Han

The Pittsburgh Pirates recently lost third baseman Josh Harrison and shortstop Jordy Mercer to injury, and utility infielder Kang Jung-ho has more than stepped up to the challenge.

The 28-year-old South Korean rookie extended his on-base streak to nine games after going 2-for-4 on Wednesday in a 1-5 Pirates loss against the Kansas City Royals. It was also his fourth straight multi-hit game.

Kang’s bat has been responding well to regular playing time resulting in a .362 average during July. His performance over this span has raised his average from .258 to .282.

The only unfortunate part about his streak is that it hasn’t necessarily translated into run production.

During this time, Kang has batted in only three runs though he has scored eight runs himself during that time.

He entered the league being touted as the ever-rare power hitting middle infielder and although he has shown flashes of a strong bat, it hasn’t been consistent. He has hit five home runs on the year.

The Pirates are 11-7 so far in July and 54-40 on the season putting them at second in the National League (NL) Central Division behind the dominant St. Louis Cardinals.

The team’s .574 winning percentage would put them in first in any other NL division.