Coach Ryu Joong-il decided to select the team against Chinese Taipei, but was left out.
Go Young-pyo, “If I play against Taiwan, I will make the most of my strengths.”
The Korean national baseball team’s sidearm pitcher Ko Young-pyo (KT Wiz) is one of the strong candidates to be the starting pitcher in the first World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier 12 Group B game against Chinese Taipei. Go Young-pyo pledged that if given the opportunity to play against Taiwan, he would utilize his strengths.
The baseball team led by coach Ryu Joong-il will play the first game of the group stage against Chinese Taipei at Taipei Dome on the 13th. The national team, which is determined to defeat the ‘difficult enemy’ Chinese Taipei in the first game, is expected to bring out a strong selection card.
The starting pitcher for the match against Taiwan has already been decided, but Coach Ryu kept quiet as there was no reason to reveal it early.
The national team has four starting agents, including Ko Young-pyo, Kwak Bin, Choi Seung-yong (Doosan Bears), and Lim Chan-gyu (LG Twins).
Ko Young-pyo is a proven starting pitcher who has won more than 10 games for three consecutive years from the 2021 season to the 2023 season in the KBO League.
Although he fell short of expectations with 6 wins, 8 losses, and an ERA of 4.95 in 18 games this year, he went back and forth between starting and relief work in 4 postseason games, giving up 3 runs in 9 innings.
Go Young-pyo, who has extensive experience in international competitions and is in charge of the one-two punch of Kwak Bin and the starting lineup, is likely to play the role of starting pitcher against Taiwan.
On the 2nd, Ko Young-pyo appeared as a relief in the second warm-up game against Cuba, which was his first actual appearance since joining the national team, and pitched 3 innings, allowing 1 hit (1 home run), no walks, 2 strikeouts, and 1 run. The previous day, in a practice game against Sangmu, he took the mound and finished the inspection by allowing 5 hits and 2 runs in 3 innings.
After the practice game, Ko Young-pyo said, “In the past, Taiwanese players showed weakness to sidearm pitcher’s changeup,” and “If I play against Taiwan, I have to make the most of my strengths.”
pyo’s main weapon, the changeup, is among the best in the league, and he frequently used the changeup in international competitions to effectively block opposing hitters. It is not easy for hitters who have seen Go Young-pyo’s powerful changeup for the first time to attack it.
Go Young-pyo, who was also named in the final entry, will begin local adaptation training in Taiwan from the 8th. Attention is focused on whether Go Young-pyo will be able to complete his mission in Premier 12.
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Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Baseball Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with baseball expert Dr. Lee Joon-seok, who specializes in sports performance and coaching strategies. With the 2024 WBSC Premier 12 approaching, we’ll delve into the Korean national baseball team and their upcoming game against Chinese Taipei. Dr. Lee, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for baseball fans, especially with such important matches coming up.
Editor: Absolutely! Coach Ryu Joong-il has decided on his team for the critical first game against Chinese Taipei. Can you give us some insight into the strategy behind his selections?
Dr. Lee: Certainly! Coach Ryu’s choices seem to focus on combining experience and talent. Selecting reliable pitchers like Ko Young-pyo, who has shown consistent performance in the KBO League over the last few years, aims to set a strong tone for the tournament. Having a solid starting lineup for such a crucial opening game is vital.
Editor: Right, and Ko Young-pyo has made some bold statements about utilizing his strengths against Taiwan. What are those strengths, and how can they be advantageous?
Dr. Lee: Ko Young-pyo’s main weapon is his changeup, which he describes as one of the best in the league. He has observed that Taiwanese hitters often struggle against sidearm pitchers, particularly when they face a powerful changeup for the first time. By leveraging this strength, he can create unexpected outcomes and capitalize on hitters’ weaknesses.
Editor: That makes a lot of strategic sense! You mentioned earlier that experience is crucial. How does Ko’s past in international competitions impact his performance, especially given his varied role this season as both a starter and relief pitcher?
Dr. Lee: Experience in international play is invaluable. Ko’s versatility in shifting between starting and relief roles means he has faced a variety of batters and situations, which is a significant asset. His adaptability allows him to adjust quickly, which is crucial when competing against teams like Chinese Taipei, known for their strong hitting. Moreover, his experience in high-pressure situations can enhance his confidence on the mound.
Editor: It sounds like he has the right mindset going into the game. How critical do you think this first match is for the overall success of the team in the Premier 12?
Dr. Lee: The first match often sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. A win can build momentum and confidence, while a loss could create pressure in subsequent games. Given that Chinese Taipei is regarded as a ‘difficult enemy’, this match is particularly critical. It will test the team’s readiness and their ability to perform under stress.
Editor: That leads us to the broader context. What do you think are the team’s chances against Chinese Taipei based on their current form and preparation?
Dr. Lee: If the team performs at its peak, I believe they have a realistic chance of winning. While Ko Young-pyo’s changeup could be a game-changer, other starters like Kwak Bin and Lim Chan-gyu also need to step up. The team’s depth can make a difference in any tournament, and how well they execute their game plan will ultimately determine the outcome.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights! We’re all eager to see how the Korean team performs against such formidable opponents. Best of luck to them!
Dr. Lee: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for Korean baseball, and I hope the team can deliver an inspiring performance.