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Pittsburgh’s Kang Jung-ho hits home run in first preseason game

March 3, 2015
Kang Jung-ho served notice right away by hitting a home run in his first Major League preseason game. (AP)

Kang Jung-ho served notice right away by hitting a home run in his first Major League preseason game. (AP)

By Brian Han

(UPDATED) — The Pittsburgh Pirates’ decision to sign Kang Jung-ho is already paying off in the teams’ first preseason game. The 27-year-old shortstop from South Korea hit a solo homer in the third inning against Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher Marco Estrada.

The Pirates extended their lead to 6-0 after Kang’s second appearance at the plate.

Kang grounded out against Aaron Sanchez in the first inning after being inserted as the starting shortstop and batting sixth. He also walked in his third at-bat in the fifth inning.

The Blue Jays then scored three runs in the bottom of the third, but the Pirates were able to hold back their offense just enough to walk away with a 7-6 victory.

Pittsburgh paid $5 million for the ability to sign the shortstop then offered him a four-year $11 million contract, which he accepted. The shortstop hit 40 homers in Korea last year.