South Korea Prepares for WBC with Draw Against Hanshin Tigers – Key Players Shine
Osaka, Japan – The South Korean national baseball team concluded its pre-World Baseball Classic (WBC) exhibition schedule with a 3-3 draw against Japan’s Hanshin Tigers on Sunday, March 2nd, at Kyocera Dome Osaka. The match served as a crucial tune-up ahead of the team’s WBC opener against the Czech Republic on March 5th.
Key Players Impress in Tune-Up Match
Several key players demonstrated strong form, bolstering confidence as the team prepares for the international tournament. Lee Jeong-hoo, Kim Do-young and veteran pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin all made significant contributions.
Lee Jeong-hoo Shows Early Spark
Lee Jeong-hoo, the San Francisco Giants outfielder and team captain, recorded multiple hits in just two at-bats, including a hit that set up the first run of the game. He expressed his determination, stating Since I became a member of the national team, I feel like I have been the ‘main player in the disaster’. I have heard a lot about charter flights from my dad (former KT Wiz coach Lee Jong-beom), and I really wish to take a charter flight (to the U.S.). I want to play all 7 games (until the finals).
Kim Do-young Ties the Game with Home Run
Kim Do-young, the leadoff hitter, hit a game-tying solo home run in the fifth inning. He finished the game 2 for 3 with one RBI and one run scored. MLB.com highlighted Kim Do-young as one of 11 players to watch in the 2026 WBC, noting he is evaluated as the best hitter in the international prospect rankings of FanGraphs, an American baseball statistics site.
He likewise recently hit a home run in a previous evaluation match against the Samsung Lions.
Ryu Hyun-jin Delivers Solid Performance
Veteran pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and relying heavily on ground balls. He showcased his experience with a mix of fastballs and breaking balls.
Pitching Concerns and Final Preparations
Starter Kwak Bin struggled, allowing three runs on three hits and a walk in two innings. Despite reaching a fastball speed of 156 km/h, he experienced control issues. The team will need to rely on him despite the absence of Moon Dong-ju and Won Tae-in due to injury.
The national team will play its final exhibition game against the Orix Buffaloes on March 3rd before traveling to Tokyo for the start of the WBC group stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the WBC commence for South Korea? South Korea’s first WBC game is on March 5th against the Czech Republic.
- Who is managing the South Korean national team? Ryu Ji-hyun is the manager of the South Korean national team.
- Where will South Korea play its first WBC game? The first game will be played at Tokyo Dome in Japan.
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