'It took 43 years': Seogwang High reclaims national title at Cheongryonggi Cup by defeating Gyeongbuk High... 'Batting average 0.529' Seo Jeong-hwi named MVP

*This content was translated by AI.

Seogwang High finally tasted the pinnacle of national competition for the first time in 43 years. This marks the school's first-ever championship in the Cheongryonggi Cup.

Led by head coach Bang Jin-ho, Seogwang High defeated Gyeongbuk High 6-2 in the final match of the '81st Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship and Weekend League King of Kings Tournament,' jointly hosted by the Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA), Chosun Ilbo, and Sports Chosun, and organized by KBSA, at Seoul Mokdong Baseball Stadium on the 12th, securing the national title.

This tournament featured a total of 58 teams based on the first-half standings of the 2026 high school baseball weekend league across all regions, culminating in a final showdown between Seogwang High School and Gyeongbuk High School. Seogwang High aimed to reclaim the national title for the first time since their 1982 Golden Sajaegi Cup victory, while Gyeongbuk High sought to tie the record for most Cheongryonggi Cup wins with their ninth championship, drawing intense attention even before the match began.

Seogwang High seized early control of the game. In the top of the first inning, after one out, they created a scoring opportunity at second and third bases with one out through a walk by second batter Kim Woo-jin, a hit by third batter Jeon Young-hoon, and an opposing wild pitch. Fifth batter Seo Jeong-hwi then delivered a left-field single, bringing the runner from third home to take an early lead. However, the runner from second was thrown out at home plate, preventing further scoring in that inning.

Seogwang High maintained offensive pressure in the top of the second inning. After a walk by sixth batter Lee Si-yoon and a sacrifice bunt, they drew two consecutive walks to create a bases-loaded opportunity with one out. First batter Hwang Dong-min then hit a sacrifice fly to add another run. In the following situation, second batter Kim Woo-jin delivered a two-run double to left-center field, quickly extending the lead to 4-0.

Gyeongbuk High mounted a comeback in the bottom of the fifth inning. Leadoff batter ninth Kim Geon-rok reached base via a hit-by-pitch and stole second base. After one out, second batter Jo Chae-wan hit a two-run double to left-center field, scoring one run to narrow the gap. Third batter Choi Woo-jun then added another run with a single to left field, bringing the score to 4-2. However, subsequent batter Eom Tae-wook grounded into a double play, leaving Gyeongbuk High with bitter disappointment.

Seogwang High sealed the victory by adding two crucial runs in the top of the ninth inning. Holding their lead until the end, Seogwang High secured a triumphant 6-2 win. With this victory, they lifted the Cheongryonggi Cup trophy for the first time in school history, finally erasing the 43rd-year drought of national championship titles.

The honor of MVP (Most Valuable Player) in this tournament went to Seogwang High's second baseman Seo Jeong-hwi (Grade 12), the key contributor to their championship victory. Seo Jeong-hwi showcased exceptional offensive performance with a .529 batting average, seven RBIs, and five stolen bases throughout the tournament, while also demonstrating reliable defensive skills that anchored the infield, delivering outstanding overall play.

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*This content was translated by AI.