*This content was translated by AI.
"If our juniors do their part, won't our seniors step up and deliver?"
Jung Yoon-jin (55), head coach of Deoksu High School who leads the under-18 baseball national team, expressed strong determination to win the 14th Asian Youth Baseball Championship. This momentum could carry over to the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Under Coach Jung Yoon-jin, Lee Kkeu-neun (CEO) defeated Japan 3-2 in the first Super Round match held at Taipei Dome on the 11th.
After defeating Taiwan in the opening group stage match, the national team advanced to the Super Round with one win and recorded a second victory. On the 12th, they aim for an undefeated run to the finals by defeating relatively weaker opponent Philippines.
It was not an easy game. The team fell behind 2-0 from the first inning, and the starting pitcher wavered in the second. Subsequent relievers also struggled with consecutive walks, leading to a critical situation with one out and bases loaded. With further runs potentially shifting the momentum against them, Kim Min-hoon (Gwangju Jinheung High School) entered the game.
Kim Min-hoon neutralized Japan's top two batters by relying on his signature changeup, securing consecutive strikeouts to extinguish the threat directly.
In the bottom of the third inning, a solo home run by Lee Ho-min (Gyeongnam High School) broke the deadlock. The team held firm through the third, but faced another crisis in the bottom of the fourth. After allowing a hit to the leadoff batter, Kim Min-hoon recorded two outs via a bunt fly and an infield fly before facing a hard-hit ball from Ishida Yusei. However, Park Bo-seung (Gyeongnam High School) threw his body into the play to catch the ball, relieving the tension.
From the bottom of the fifth inning onward, Ha Hyun-seung (Busan High School), the hero of the Taiwan game, returned to the mound and shut down three innings flawlessly. He allowed no baserunners and recorded five strikeouts.
The offense also stepped up. In the top of the sixth, Jo Hee-seong (Yusin High School) drew a walk, followed by Hwang Sung-hyun (Deoksu High School)'s sacrifice bunt. Eom Jun-sang (Deoksu High School) then hit a tying RBI single. Lee Ho-min followed with a go-ahead home run, securing the comeback victory.
Coach Jung Yoon-jin praised: "Kim Min-hoon's performance was most crucial today. He entered the game in a critical situation with one out and bases loaded after losing two runs, and held the line. Had the score gap widened further, it would have been a difficult match. Thanks to Min-hoon holding firm, our offense also found its rhythm, leading to victory." He added, "Ha Hyun-seung came in afterward and closed out the game perfectly. Our pre-game analysis and preparations generally aligned well with what unfolded on the field."
Overcoming Japan, a long-standing rival, to claim Asian supremacy for the first time in eight years is a morale-boosting achievement for Noh Ri-neun (CEO). Coach Jung stated: "It seems like Woo Ri (CEO) has not defeated Japan in a very long time. The players' determination—'Let's do this,' 'Win the gold medal,' 'Champion,' and 'We can win'—combined with national pride, mission, and responsibility of South Korea, likely contributed to our victory."
The team can now focus on the Philippines match at a relaxed pace while concentrating on opponent analysis. Coach Jung said: "Since Taiwan and Japan will play tomorrow, we will analyze their performance. Having prepared well to reach this stage, we are committed to returning with a gold medal." He expressed hope: "If we win the gold medal, our momentum can carry over to the Asian Games, allowing our seniors to perform well too. If our juniors set the tone, won't our seniors rise to the occasion?"
Finally, he conveyed gratitude to baseball fans: "To all fans who love baseball and amateur baseball, if you enjoyed watching today's match and felt uplifted by our victory over Japan, we believe we have given you a great gift." He added: "We will prepare thoroughly for the final in two days to bring even more joy to baseball fans. We also want to show that Korean amateur baseball is competitive and capable of standing on its own."
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*This content was translated by AI.
