Choo Shin-soo of the Cincinnati Reds hit his 20th home run of the season on Thursday, with three steals left to him posting the third “20-20” season (at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases) of his Major League Baseball career.
Facing off against the Cardinals’ starting pitcher Lance Lynn, the outfielder slammed the ball into the stands in the bottom of the fourth inning for a solo homer. It was the third home run in five games for Choo, continuing his hot streak.
The Reds took the game 5-4 in a grueling 16-inning fight.
He posted his first 20-20 season in 2009, belting 20 home runs and 21 steals for his former team Cleveland Indians. Choo repeated the feat in the following year with 22 home runs and steals apiece.
Playing in his first season for the Reds, the 31-year-old has proven to be one of most productive outfielders and leadoff men in the MLB National League. Choo ranks second in the NL in on-base percentage (.417), runs (93) and base on balls (92).
The outstanding performance by the South Korean is expected to help him get a lucrative, multiyear contract after this season, when he becomes a free agent. He is making $7.37 million this year.
