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Kang Jung-ho struggles in 2nd start at shortstop

April 21, 2015

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang, top, throws to first as Chicago Cubs’ Jorge Soler is out at second on a fielders choice on a ground ball by Anthony Rizzo in the first inning of a baseball game on Monday, April 20, 2015, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

By Brian Han

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Kang Jung-ho had trouble at the plate and with the glove Monday in a game against the Chicago Cubs.

The Pirates were coming off of a three-game win streak, but ended up losing 5-2 after a late offensive surge by their opponents.

The 28-year-old South Korean shortstop continued his hitting woes as he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in his first at-bat against right-hander Jake Arrieta.

Kang made contact in his second plate appearance, but grounded out to Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro.

He is now batting .077 in 13 at-bats.

On the defense, Kang has been mostly efficient except for last night when he committed his first error on a double play attempt in the fourth inning.

After fielding a grounder from Castro, Kang made an inaccurate throw to second, but the ball was recovered and the runners did not advance any further.

In the ninth inning, he relayed a throw from right fielder Andrew Lambo to third getting Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo out.

Kang may start again Tuesday depending on manager Clint Hurdle’s decision to give starting shortstop Jordy Mercer another day of rest after being hit in the chest by a wild pitch Sunday.