South Korea Prepares for WBC with Tie Against Hanshin Tigers
Published: March 2, 2026 | 247sports.news
Key Takeaways from the Exhibition Match
The South Korean national baseball team concluded in a 3-3 tie against the Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Osaka. This exhibition game served as a crucial tune-up ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC).
South Korea initially took a 2-0 lead, but the Tigers battled back to force the tie at Kyocera Dome. Managed by Ryu Ji-hyun, the team will continue its preparation with another exhibition game against the Orix Buffaloes on Tuesday before heading to Tokyo for the start of the WBC.
Game Highlights
Korea scored twice in the first inning. Kim Do-yeong started with an infield single, followed by a single from Lee Jung-hoo. Moon Bo-gyeong then singled to center field, driving in Kim, and Ahn Hyun-min added a double down the left field line to extend the lead to 2-0.
The Tigers responded in the second inning, scoring three runs against starter Gwak Been. Nozomu Takatera’s sacrifice fly brought in their first run, and Dan Onodera’s double tied the score. Torai Fushimi then hit a single to center field to take the lead.
“South Korea blew a 2-0 lead and settled for a 3-3 tie against the Hanshin Tigers of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) at Kyocera Dome in Osaka.”
Upcoming Schedule
- March 3, 2026: Exhibition game against the Orix Buffaloes at Kyocera Dome, Osaka (12:00 PM KST).
- March 6, 2026: First Pool C game against the Czech Republic at Tokyo Dome (7:00 PM JST).
Broadcast Information
The exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers was broadcast on KBS 2TV, MBC, SBS, and TVING. TVING also plans to offer a ‘Fandom Broadcast’ service with real-time communication.
Did You Know?
Kim Do-yeong hit a solo home run during the exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers.
FAQ
- What was the final score of the game? The game ended in a 3-3 tie.
- Who is managing the South Korean team? Ryu Ji-hyun is the manager.
- Where will South Korea play its first WBC game? At Tokyo Dome against the Czech Republic.