*This content was translated by AI.
Taiwanese media were confused about the starting pitcher of the Korean national team ahead of the "fate confrontation" on the 8th, which is very important for advancing to the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) final round. Right-hander fireballer Kwak Bin (27, Doosan Bears) is expected to be a strong candidate, but he seems to be confused by the good pitching of Ryu Hyun-jin (39, Hanwha Eagles) and Dane Dunning (32, Seattle Mariners).
Taiwan's leading sports media, Weilai Sports, focused on the power of the South Korean national team, its archrival in Group C, through a recent special broadcast on the 3rd. In particular, the biggest concern was who will be the starting pitcher for South Korea, which the Taiwanese batting line-up should face. The video attracted so much attention that it was organized as the main feature on Taiwan's large portal site, "Yahoo."
Chen Shun-jung, a veteran commentator of Taiwanese baseball, appeared on the broadcast and expressed caution, saying there are three scenarios for South Korea's leading starting player against Taiwan. Ryu Hyun-jin pitched two scoreless innings as a bullpen in the game against the Hanshin Tigers on the 2nd, and Dunning also viewed the fact that he pitched three scoreless innings against the Orix Buffaloes on the 3rd as a sudden variable. On top of that, Kwak Bin, who was a starting pitcher on the 2nd, failed to meet the planned number of pitches due to a minor nail injury.
"The most threatening is that they have two pitchers with extensive major league experience," said Chun Sh-jung, a member of the committee, but analyzed the condition of the recent practice game and predicted, "If they play against Taiwan by any chance, the outcome is how the Taiwanese batters will target Dunning's stability and Ryu Hyun-jin's expertise."
Kwak Bin, the leading candidate for the first time against Taiwan, was also left out. Commentator Chen Shih-jung remained vigilant, saying, "A pitcher like Kwak Bin, who has good pitching, may be more unfamiliar to Taiwanese batters and difficult to attack than a major leaguer with a high name value."
Analysis continued not only on the mound but also on the mobility of the Korean batters. He was concerned that Taiwan's defense could falter if fast-footed runners such as "captain" Lee Jung-hoo (28, San Francisco Giants), Kim Do-young (23, KIA Tigers), and Kim Hye-sung (27, LA Dodgers) get on base.
Also mentioned were variables in the game schedule. While three of Taiwan's group games were organized as daytime games, South Korea said, "On the schedule, Taiwan could be advantageous in maintaining its body rhythm," citing that the game just before the match against Taiwan was a night game (against Japan).
As such, Taiwanese media also believe that victory over against South Korea / vs. Korea is a prerequisite for going to Miami, where the quarterfinals will be held. Taiwanese media are focusing their attention on the mouth and media reports of the Korean coaching staff, saying, "Taiwan's batting order deployment and operation will be completely different depending on who South Korea's starting pitcher is determined."
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*This content was translated by AI.
