Kim Ha-seong hit his first home run in his second game with his new team, powering the Braves to a comeback victory with a three-run blast.

Korean shortstop Kim Ha-seong celebrated his first homer since joining the Atlanta Braves today, delivering a crucial go-ahead home run against the Chicago Cubs. Coupled with starter Bryce Elder’s strong outing, allowing only one run over seven innings, the Braves secured a 5-1 win, snapping a two-game losing streak in the series.

Kim Ha-seong signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays this season but suffered a right wrist labrum tear last August, delaying his return until July this year. After coming back, his performance was underwhelming, hitting just .214 over 24 games. Eventually, the Rays placed him on waivers, and the Braves picked up his contract, officially transferring him to their roster.

Since joining the Braves, Kim Ha-seong’s hitting has improved. In his first game, he recorded 2 hits in 4 at-bats, and in this game, he made a strong statement to Atlanta fans with a home run. In the top of the seventh inning, with the team trailing by one and runners on first and third with two outs, the seventh batter Kim Ha-seong stepped up and crushed a four-seam fastball from Cubs reliever Drew Pomeranz to left-center field for a three-run homer. This was the Braves’ first home run by a shortstop this season.

Offensively, Kim Ha-seong provided key power support with his home run. Defensively, former star starter Bryce Elder, who had struggled this season, delivered an excellent performance, pitching seven innings with only one earned run and striking out six. Ultimately, the Braves won 5-1, redeeming themselves after two consecutive losses.