'Did we get too complacent?' So Hyoung-jun collapses, followed by Jo Byung-hyun... Can a 4-run deficit be overcome? [Aichi Nagoya AG]

*This content was translated by AI.

We thought the final was already decided. However, we were caught off guard by Japan. A major obstacle has appeared on the path to a fifth consecutive Asian Games baseball championship.

The national team, led by manager Ryu Ji-hyun, is playing the first game of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Baseball Super Round against Japan at Toyohashi Citizens Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, starting at 6:30 p.m. on the 25th.

South Korea, which entered the Super Round with three consecutive wins and topped its group, was expected to easily reach the final stage after securing one win against Taiwan. However, they are struggling more than anticipated.

So Hyoung-jun (KT) started as the pitcher. This season, he appeared in 20 games, pitched 114⅓ innings, recorded 8 wins and 3 losses, and posted an ERA of 3.38. As a key right-handed starter for the national team, he made his debut in the March 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) group stage match against Czech Republic, pitching three scoreless innings and securing the victory.

Compared to that time, opposing teams were not as strong. We expected an easy win, but Japan proved to be no pushover.

So Hyoung-jun faced early trouble in the first inning with a double and a hit-by-pitch but managed to escape without allowing any runs by inducing ground balls. He retired all three batters in order in the second inning.

However, he could not get through the third inning. After giving up a center-field single to leadoff batter Tsujimoto, So Hyoung-jun issued a walk to Soeda with one out and then allowed a two-run single to Mukoyama. With one out and runners on first and third, he surrendered another run on a ground ball by Aizawa. Mizutani's infield hit to the shortstop area further contributed to additional runs after NC's shortstop Kim Ju-won committed an error on the throw.

The bullpen was activated faster than expected. Kim Jin-uk (Lotte) allowed a hit and a walk but still managed to shut out the opponent with two strikeouts, completing an inning without allowing any runs. He also retired all three batters in order in the fifth inning with perfect pitching.

However, Jo Byung-hun, who entered in the sixth inning, struggled. After giving up a center-field single to Kumada and issuing a walk with one out, he recorded a strikeout but then allowed a two-run single to Yano with two outs and runners on first and second. Park Young-hyun (KT) came in quickly with two outs and runners on first and second but was hit by Soeda and allowed additional runs.

The offense has been silent, which is painful. South Korea's starting lineup consists of Kim Do-young (third baseman), Kim Ju-won (NC, shortstop), Noh Si-hwan (Hanwha, first baseman), Moon Bo-kyung (LG, designated hitter), Park Jun-soon (Doosan, second baseman), Yoon Dong-hee (Lotte, right fielder), Jo Hyung-woo (SSG, catcher), Park Jae-hyun (left fielder), and Kim Ji-chan (center fielder). They have been unable to effectively attack the Japanese pitching staff.

Trailing 3 hits through six innings and held scoreless, attention is focused on whether they can seize a comeback opportunity in their three-inning offensive chances.

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*This content was translated by AI.