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Sep 13, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang (27) hits an RBI single against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
As the 2015 regular season comes to a close for the Pittsburgh Pirates, it is hard not to reflect on some of the key moments that made this such a good year for the organization. Though the Pirates were unable to keep up with the St. Louis Cardinals for the National League Central crown, they will be hosting the 2015 NL Wild Card game against the Chicago Cubs. As we prepare for that game on Wednesday night, it’s only fitting to reflect by counting down some of the best moments from the 2015 regular season*.
*Of course, we hope to come back and highly edit this post in about a month or so. Sound good? Ok meet us back here then. Until then…here are our top moments.
5.) 8-25-15 Jung Ho Kang‘s first career two home run game v.s San Francisco
Though this particular “moment” may not be considered a huge highlight in the eyes of some people, Jung Ho Kang’s first career multi home run game was a special moment in my eyes. On this day, Kang hit his 11th and 12th home runs of his rookie campaign, leading the Pirate to a 3-2 victory over the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants. Kang, who will miss the remainder of the regular season as well as the postseason, had a stellar rookie campaign, hitting .287 with 15 home runs and 58 RBI in 126 games. Up until his injury, I particularly thought that Kang had a legitimate chance to win the National League Rookie of the Year award, despite monster numbers compiled by Chicago Cubs star rookie Kris Bryant. Kang had a season that exceeded all expectations and this particular game against San Francisco showed how dominant he was throughout the year. He solidified himself as a dangerous force in the middle of the Pirates lineup and on this day, he put the team on his back offensively and captivated the hometown crowd at PNC Park.
We move on with our list of top five moments with one of the biggest question marks going into 2015.
Next: Russell Who?