Dodgers’ Kim Hye-seong Extends Hitting Streak to 17 Games in Victory Over Diamondbacks, Proving His Star Potential Daily
In a season already brimming with expectations, milestones, and headlines, one of the more quietly impressive storylines continues to unfold in Los Angeles: Kim Hye-seong’s hit streak. With another base knock in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, the 25-year-old infielder extended his hitting streak to 17 games, cementing his place as one of the most consistent and valuable bats in the current Dodgers lineup.
Kim, who signed with the Dodgers this past offseason after a standout career with the Kiwoom Heroes in Korea’s KBO League, arrived in Major League Baseball with talent, athleticism, and a resume full of potential—but also with the typical questions that follow any international signee transitioning to the big leagues. Those questions, however, are quickly being drowned out by Kim’s bat, his ability to adjust, and the tangible impact he’s having on one of the league’s most star-studded rosters.
Sunday’s game served as yet another testament to his skillset and tenacity. Facing Arizona’s Brandon Pfaadt, Kim wasted little time in keeping the streak alive. He sent a sharp line drive into right-center field in the bottom of the third inning, prompting a standing ovation from the home crowd. It wasn’t a moment of historical significance in the larger sense—yet—but it encapsulated the excitement and buzz now growing around a player who has become indispensable to Los Angeles’ daily success.
Kim would finish the game 2-for-4 with a pair of singles, scoring one run and driving in another. That brought his season batting average to .325, putting him among the National League’s top 10 hitters and continuing to show that his approach at the plate is no fluke. He now finds himself within reach of a 20-game streak, something only a handful of Dodgers have achieved in recent memory.
Manager Dave Roberts, never one to overstate things publicly, gave Kim the kind of praise usually reserved for All-Stars and seasoned veterans.
“He’s just relentless,” Roberts said postgame. “Every time he steps into the box, you feel like something good is going to happen. It’s not just the hits—though the streak speaks for itself—but the way he’s managing at-bats, extending counts, and putting pressure on pitchers. He’s been a spark.”
That spark has come at an opportune time. The Dodgers, while leading the NL West, have battled intermittent injuries and slumps throughout the roster. Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani continue to be cornerstones of the lineup, but it’s Kim who has brought unexpected balance and daily stability in the lower half of the order.
Kim’s streak began modestly on April 22, when he notched a single against the Washington Nationals. Since then, he has hit safely in every game, facing a variety of pitching styles and handling them all with poise. Over the course of the streak, he’s batting .381 with 24 hits, 10 RBIs, and 11 runs scored. He’s also added six stolen bases, turning himself into a dual-threat presence that opposing teams are beginning to plan around.
“Speed, contact, and baseball IQ,” said Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. “He’s got all of it. You make one mistake, and he punishes you. He doesn’t chase much, either, which makes it tough for us to get him to expand the zone.”
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Kim’s streak is how natural it all looks. There’s no chasing glory, no change in approach, and certainly no sense of pressure emanating from the young infielder. His mechanics are tight, his stance compact, and his swing path remarkably consistent. He’s spraying the ball to all fields, beating shifts, and showing an understanding of pitcher tendencies that exceeds his limited major league experience.
Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc credited Kim’s success to preparation and maturity. “A lot of guys come over from international leagues and need months or even a season to adjust. Kim came in with a professional mindset and took to our analytics and coaching right away. He studies film, he asks smart questions, and he makes quick adjustments. That’s rare.”
While streaks in baseball can often be fleeting, Kim’s body of work over the past month is more than just a statistical hot stretch—it’s an indication that the Dodgers may have found their long-term answer at second base. That position, often seen as a rotating door for Los Angeles over the past few seasons, now appears locked down by a player who blends elite defense with offensive upside.
In the field, Kim has shown fluid footwork, a strong arm, and elite range. Sunday’s game featured one such example—when he ranged far to his right to snag a would-be single up the middle, spun, and delivered a strike to first base to nab a fast Diamondbacks runner. It didn’t make the highlight reel on a day filled with homers and flashy plays, but it drew appreciative applause from both the dugout and the fans who’ve grown accustomed to his instinctual brilliance.
Teammate Will Smith said it best: “He plays with the kind of rhythm that’s contagious. You watch him, and you want to match that energy.”
The Dodgers’ win over the Diamondbacks also served as a showcase of what this team can do when clicking. Clayton Kershaw, making his third start since returning from the injured list, went six solid innings, allowing just two runs and striking out seven. Freeman and Ohtani each delivered RBI hits, and the bullpen trio of Brusdar Graterol, Ryan Brasier, and Evan Phillips shut the door late. But it was Kim, once again, who ensured the team didn’t miss a beat offensively—even when early rallies stalled.
It’s become increasingly clear that the Dodgers didn’t just make an international splash by signing Kim—they made an investment in baseball continuity. At just 25, he’s entering his physical prime with the skill set of a 10-year veteran. His contact-first approach is a welcome contrast to the swing-and-miss tendencies that have plagued other young players, and his ability to get on base regularly allows the lineup to roll over more efficiently.
Beyond the numbers, though, Kim is becoming a fan favorite. His calm demeanor, humble nature, and tireless work ethic are endearing qualities in a city that appreciates both stars and scrappers. After Sunday’s win, he was swarmed by local Korean media and greeted with a small but growing collection of homemade signs from fans in the stands bearing his name in Hangul.
When asked what the streak means to him, Kim shrugged and smiled, offering a measured response through a translator: “I just try to help the team. Every day is a new challenge, and I just want to be consistent. Winning is most important.”
That kind of answer is typical for Kim, who rarely makes things about himself. But 17 games is no small feat, particularly in a league filled with elite pitching and constant pressure. Whether the streak reaches 20 or stretches even further, it has already placed Kim in elite company and validated the Dodgers’ scouting instincts.
What comes next will be watched with increasing interest. The Dodgers travel to San Francisco for a three-game set against the Giants starting Tuesday, where Kim will face a trio of tough right-handers, including Logan Webb and Keaton Winn. If he manages to extend his streak there, the national spotlight could begin to focus more intensely on what is becoming one of the best individual storylines of the early MLB season.
For now, Kim Hye-seong is content to let his bat do the talking. And right now, it’s speaking volumes. The streak rolls on. The Dodgers keep winning. And a new star in Los Angeles continues to shine a little brighter with each passing game.
