Korea Salvages Dramatic Draw Against Japan in WBC Tune-Up
TOKYO, Japan – November 16, 2023 - The Korean national baseball team battled to a thrilling tie against Japan in a pre-World Baseball Classic (WBC) evaluation game on Thursday, capped by a game-tying home run from Kim Joo-won with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. The game ended with a final score of 6-7.
The evaluation series serves as crucial readiness for both teams ahead of the WBC tournament scheduled for March of next year.Korea showcased promising performances from several players vying for a spot on the final WBC roster.
Pitcher Jung Woo-joo impressed with a fastball consistently clocked at 2.85 mph, earning praise from Hanwha pitching coach Yang Sang-moon, who described it as “not a ball that can be learned and thrown. It is a gift from heaven.” Jung Woo-joo delivered a strong outing in his national team debut against the Czech republic on November 9th, recording 1 1/3 innings with 3 strikeouts and no runs allowed.
Offensively,Song Seong-moon,aiming for a Major League Baseball prospect,continued his strong showing with a timely hit following his earlier solo home run. He also contributed to a key base-running play in the third inning. with runners on first and third and one out, a double steal attempt saw Ahn Hyun-min score as the Japanese catcher’s throw to second base allowed him to come home. Song Seong-moon demonstrated swift thinking by strategically stopping near second base, capitalizing on the Japanese infield’s confusion.
Ahn Hyun-min also homered in consecutive games against Japan, hitting a solo shot in the top of the eighth inning.
Despite the offensive contributions, Korea’s bullpen faced challenges, conceding runs after building early leads in both games of the series. Park Young-hyun proved a bright spot in relief, pitching two scoreless innings without allowing a hit or walk, bolstering his position in the competition for a national team bullpen role.
The national team is scheduled to return to Korea on November 17th and rejoin their respective clubs. The Korea Baseball Institution (KBO) and national team coaches will evaluate the results of the evaluation matches and announce the final WBC entry in early February.
