Manager Ryu Ji-hyun: "Tension eased after the fifth inning; I will deliver good news during the Chuseok holiday" [Okazaki on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

After leading the national team to a victory over Taiwan in their first game of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya (Japan) Asian Games baseball tournament, manager Ryu Ji-hyun reflected, "Young players showed significant tension early on," but added, "The tension eased after the fifth inning."

At a press conference held immediately following South Korea's 5-0 victory over Taiwan in Group B's first group stage match at Okazaki Central General Park Baseball Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on the 21st, manager Ryu Ji-hyun stated, "As expected, short-term tournaments and major events bring immense pressure; the first game is always extremely difficult. After the tension eased, we were able to win naturally with strong performance."

On this day, South Korea struggled against Taiwan's professional league pitcher Lin Yi-wei, managing only one hit through five innings. Victory came only after Lin was relieved from the mound, with two additional runs scored in both the seventh and eighth innings.

Manager Ryu Ji-hyun added, "The first game is difficult for anyone. It was a high-pressure opening match. We couldn't execute our planned offense early on because we struggled to adjust to the opponent pitcher's irregular timing. Fortunately, after the tension eased, we played well. I expect us to play even more comfortably in upcoming games."

Manager Ryu, who had appealed to the home plate umpire regarding the opposing pitcher's kicking motion, explained, "Even before leaving the field, I checked the opponent pitcher's kicking motion to see if it was permitted under the rules. I knew such actions were allowed in amateur tournaments." He further added, "However, our offense didn't flow as well as expected, so we intentionally discussed disrupting their rhythm."

He expressed gratitude to fans who visited the stadium to cheer loudly. The stands were filled with spectators wearing uniforms from all 10 professional clubs, who sang team anthems throughout the game to boost morale.

Manager Ryu Ji-hyun said, "Fans' voices and energy are palpable. When players feel that energy firsthand, strong performance becomes inevitable." He smiled and added, "I understand the final match will be held on the last day of the Chuseok holiday. I will deliver good news during the Chuseok break."

Continuing, manager Ryu Ji-hyun stated, "Today's first game didn't unfold exactly as planned or expected, but after the fifth inning, tension eased and things connected naturally. The player who stood out most today was Kim Ju-won. Beyond the hit result, his timing at the plate was particularly excellent. How we utilize Kim Ju-won and maintain this connection will be a key consideration when preparing for tomorrow's game."

Regarding pitcher Kwak Bin's outstanding performance—allowing just one hit over six innings while recording 10 strikeouts—manager Ryu praised, "He must have expended significant focus and energy, yet he threw 90 pitches. He showed the composure of an ace."

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*This content was translated by AI.