The San Francisco Giants just left their mark at Yankee Stadium, capturing a hard-fought series against the New York Yankees that wasn’t just about the wins – it was a statement. For the first time since interleague play began in 2002, the Giants took two of three games from the Bronx Bombers. And they did it with a certain flair that spoke volumes, particularly through the stunning performances of rising star Jung Hoo Lee.
Lee, a 26-year-old outfielder, made his debut in New York this weekend, and it was one for the books. Not only did he showcase his talents with three towering home runs, but he also pulled off a two-homer game during Sunday’s thrilling 5-4 comeback victory. His pivotal three-run blast against former Giant Carlos Rodón turned the tide, shifting a 3-1 Yankees lead into a 4-3 advantage that the Giants steadfastly protected.
“Quite a series for Jung Hoo here at Yankee Stadium,” said Giants manager Bob Melvin, clearly impressed. “It’s pretty remarkable.”
The Giants’ social media team cheekily celebrated the victory, posting a casual message after the series win: “We’ll take the series dub. Thanks for having us, New York.” While subtle on the surface, the message reverberated loud and clear—the Giants came to the Big Apple, outslugged the Yankees, and left not just with wins but also a sense of triumph.
This weekend also marked a poetic turnaround for a franchise that once had its eyes set on Aaron Judge in free agency, only to see him remain with the Yankees. In a twist of fate, Judge kicked off this season with a home run against the Giants, a moment that some fans felt illustrated the disparity between the two teams. But fast-forward to now, and it’s Lee—the Giants’ high-profile signing from the KBO—who has the spotlight. He not only matched Judge’s efforts but outperformed him, wrapping up the series with a 4-for-9 batting line that included three homers, seven RBIs, and four walks.
“It’s all about giving back to the team,” Lee shared, referencing the support he received during his recovery from injury last year. “I just want to contribute.”
And contribute he has. With a hitting line of .352 and a staggering 1.130 OPS after just 14 games, Lee is emerging as a potential superstar within a Giants lineup rich with experienced players. He’s proving he can hold his own against elite pitching, all without needing extensive time to acclimate.
“He’s not afraid of the spotlight,” Giants ace Logan Webb noted. “He’s super confident. Just cool to see him thrive because he’s such an amazing guy.”
While the Giants may not have scored big-name signings like Judge, Shohei Ohtani, or Bryce Harper in recent years, they seem to have unearthed a true game-changer in Lee. By taking down the Yankees on their own turf—with Lee’s heroics shining brightly—San Francisco has reminded everyone that sometimes the most impactful players are those who fly under the radar.
This weekend in the Bronx belonged to Jung Hoo Lee, and the Giants didn’t hold back from making sure everyone knew it.
