Chicago Cubs outfielder Mike Tuckman (33) has done it again.
Tuckman batted first and started in right field against the New York Mets at Citi Field in Flushing, N.Y., on Monday (Sept. 9).
In the top of the first inning, Tuckman led off with a walk and calmly picked off a pitch from Carlos Carrasco. In his second at-bat, two batters later in the top of the third inning, he lined a single to right to complete the multi-hit performance.
The highlight came in the top of the eighth inning with the score tied at 2-2. He drove a four-seam fastball from reliever Drew Smith over the left field fence for a solo home run (his seventh of the season). The ball traveled 392 feet (119.4 meters) at a speed of 99.5 miles (160.1 kilometers) per hour with a 33-degree launch angle.
The Cubs defeated the Mets, 3-2, behind Turkman’s home run. Turkman hit the game-winning shot, furthering the team’s bid for a postseason berth.
After playing for the Hanwha Eagles in the KBO last year, Tuckman rejoined the major leagues in a Cubs uniform after his contract fell through. As of September 9, he’s batting .284 (61-for-215) with seven home runs, 41 RBIs, and an OPS of .817 in 65 games. He ranks first in batting average, second in slugging percentage, and fifth in on-base percentage among players with at least 200 plate appearances.
He’s also a standout defensively. He plays mostly in center field, but has also played right and left field, giving him the versatility to play all outfield positions. On several occasions, he has saved the day with his defense, such as when he snatched an opponent’s home run in front of the fence.
Most notably, Tuckman has started 34 games as the team’s leadoff man, batting .303 (44-for-145) with seven home runs, 30 RBI, a .376 slugging percentage and a .517 on-base percentage. Not only does he get on base, but he also drives in runs when he needs to, energizing the lineup. The former KBO player is on his way to becoming another homegrown phenom.안전놀이터
The Cubs are currently 59-55 on the season with a .518 winning percentage, good for the third wild card spot in the postseason. They are followed by the Cincinnati Reds (60-56, .517), Miami Marlins (59-56, .513), and Arizona Diamondbacks (57-57, .500). Tuckman’s performance, including his clutch hitting, is a huge boost to the Cubs’ postseason hopes.