"Taiwan needs Korea's help" as its baseball team, desperate for a win, begins calculating possible scenarios [Aichi Nagoya AG]

*This content was translated by AI.

Taiwan, which became the first victim of Korea's opening win, has started calculating possible scenarios even after securing its own first victory. The initial defeat was so significant that it forced such calculations.

On the 22nd, in the second group stage match of Group B at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games against Thailand, Taiwan secured a 15-0 six-inning cold-game victory.

After losing 0-5 to Korea in their first game, Taiwan will advance to the Super Round if they defeat Hong Kong on the 23rd. Having started with a loss, they must defeat both Japan and China—expected opponents—to reach the finals.

Taiwanese media have already begun calculating these scenarios. Nownews reported, "Unless an upset occurs, the top four in the Super Round will likely be Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and China." It added, "Although Taiwan is likely to enter the Super Round with one loss, hopes for reaching the finals are not yet gone."

In reality, much weight has been placed on a rematch with Korea. Even assuming Taiwan's perfect record in the group stage, an additional condition was set: Nownews described the best-case scenario as Korea winning all its Super Round games to reach the finals with three wins and no losses, while Taiwan defeats both Japan and China to meet Korea again.

Another possible scenario has also been considered: Korea beats China but loses to Japan, while Taiwan defeats both China and Japan, resulting in all three teams finishing with two wins and one loss. In this case, Team Quality Balance (TQB), or run differential, would be calculated. This situation is far more complex. Given that Taiwan lost to Korea by five runs, it is much easier to calculate assuming Korea finishes first with an overwhelming lead.

Nownews stated, "Taiwan's perfect record in the Super Round is an essential condition," and added, "Korea's help is urgently needed."

If all three teams finish with two wins and one loss and must rely on TQB, the fact that Taiwan lost to Korea by five runs will inevitably work heavily against them. In this case, even with two wins, they could end up in the bronze medal match, meaning they would need to hope that Korea defeats both Japan and China despite securing their own two wins.

Taiwan plays its final group stage match against Hong Kong on the 23rd at 6:30 p.m. If Korea secures a 13-0 six-inning cold-game victory, Taiwan is expected to win comfortably as well. To prepare for the Super Round—and potentially the finals—Taiwan must carefully manage its pitching staff. Currently, Taiwan is conserving its ace Lin Yu-min, Wang Yencheng (who plays for Hanwha in Korea), and Shih Shang-cheng (who plays in Japan's league).

In contrast, Korea finds itself in a relatively relaxed situation. On the 23rd, it will face Thailand in its final group stage match. Although the game is scheduled at noon, Korea already secured a seven-inning cold-game victory earlier that day, with only six pitchers throwing just 71 pitches to achieve a perfect pitching performance. Thus, there is little physical burden. Since Taiwan defeated Thailand 15-0 in a six-inning cold game, Korea is expected to easily overcome them and prepare for the Super Round.

This is also the scenario Taiwan hopes for most: conserving as much strength as possible to ensure Korea wins all its Super Round games.

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*This content was translated by AI.