“2 Do-young, 3 Hyun-min, 4 Dong-hee Complete”: Cannon Loaded, Can a Three-Run Blast Turn the Tide of an Early Three-Run Deficit? [APBC Lineup]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The dream lineup has been completed. Kim Do-young (KIA) takes on the role of “strong number two hitter,” followed by An Hyun-min (KT) and Han Dong-hee (Lotte).

South Korea, led by Manager Choi Won-ho, will face Australia in the first preliminary match of the 2026 Asia Pro Baseball Championship (APBC) at Tokyo Dome in Japan at noon on the 12th.

Attention is focused on the starting lineup. The national team has set its starting order as Kim Ju-won (shortstop), Kim Do-young (third baseman), An Hyun-min (designated hitter), Han Dong-hee (first baseman), Moon Hyun-bin (right fielder), Kim Hwi-jip (second baseman), Park Jae-hyun (center fielder), Jo Hyung-woo (catcher), and Kim Min-seok (left fielder).

Notably, Kim Do-young is batting in the number two spot, one position higher than his most familiar number three slot.

Manager Choi Won-ho said at Incheon International Airport before departing on the 9th, “I am not considering the number one batting order for (Kim Do-young). I think placing him in either the number two or number three spot would be best. We must also consider the connection with the batters before and after him, as well as confirm whether An Hyun-min or Kim Ji-chan will play. After checking the condition of all players, we will make a final decision according to our operational plan for the match against Australia.”

As stated, Kim Do-young is batting second, backed up by An Hyun-min and Han Dong-hee, who possess outstanding power-hitting ability.

The center field position will be filled by Park Jae-hyun (KIA) instead of Kim Ji-chan (Samsung). Manager Choi Won-ho explained, “Kim Ji-chan’s physical condition appears quite heavy. We need to check after arriving in Tokyo, but if it is difficult for him to play early in the tournament, I think Park Jae-hyun should take center field.” It appears that Kim Ji-chan’s body has not fully recovered after going through the playoffs and the Korea Series.

Kim Ju-won (NC), who also played as the national team’s shortstop at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), will hold the shortstop position while leading off, expected to set up opportunities for Kim Do-young.

Starting pitcher Kim Min-jun (SSG) will take the mound. He delivered outstanding performances as a high school graduate rookie. Although he had a delayed debut due to injury, he left a strong impression with a record of 9 wins and 3 losses in 17 games and an ERA of 3.56. He forms a battery with his teammate Jo Hyung-woo.

However, he allowed consecutive walks in the top of the first inning and was hit for a three-run home run by B. Cavel with two outs and runners on first and second base, starting the game down by three runs. A stronger effort from the lineup is required.

The national team finished as runner-up to Japan in both 2017 and 2023 at this tournament. This time, they are determined to break their long losing streak against Japan while lifting the championship trophy.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original