Starting pitcher Kwak Bin pitched 2 scoreless innings, pitched 8 pitchers, and allowed 3 hits from Cuba.
2nd evaluation match at the same location on the 2nd
Korea, led by coach Ryu Joong-il, won 2-0 in a friendly match against Cuba held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 1st.
Korea will play one more game against Cuba at the same venue on the 2nd and then have a friendly match against the ROK Army Athletic Corps in Gocheok on the 6th. Afterwards, on the 8th, we head to Taiwan, the final battle site of the 2024 WSBC Premier 12.
In Group B, against Cuba, who was in the same group as us, Korea tested various players
In Korea, Kwak Bin, the team’s ace and starting pitcher, pitched well, allowing no runs in two innings, and seven pitchers followed suit, overwhelming Cuba.
Kim Do-young, who started as a third baseman three times, scored the winning run in the first inning with a ground ball to second base with no outs on first and third base. Kim Do-young recorded no hits in 2 at-bats, 1 RBI, and 1 stolen base on this day, and was replaced by Park Seong-han in the 4th inning.
Korea succeeded in taking the lead in the first inning.
Kim Do-young stole second base during No. 4 Park Dong-won’s at-bat, but Park Dong-won and No. 5 Bo-kyung Moon struck out in succession, and Korea had to be satisfied with one run.
Korea scored an additional point in the second inning with active hitting. After one out, No. 7 Song Seong-moon reached base with a walk. Then, with two outs, Song Seong-moon stole second base during No. 9 Lee Joo-hyung’s at-bat, and Lee Joo-hyung hit a timely hit to right field to make it 2-0.
True to manager Ryu Joong-il’s pledge that “as many pitchers as possible will distribute the throws,” eight players took the mound and shut down the Cuban batting line with just three hits.
National team ace Kwak Bin pitched two innings, allowing one hit, striking out two, and allowing no runs.
Kwak Bin, who blocked the first inning with a three-way error, was in danger in the second inning with no outs on first and second base, but later turned the Cuban player around with a fly ball to second base and a double play that led to a third baseman and first baseman.
(Seoul = News 1)
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Interview: Time.news Editor with Baseball Expert
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of baseball with the latest on the Korean national team’s recent match against Cuba. Joining us is renowned baseball analyst, Dr. Lee Sang-hoon. Dr. Lee, thank you for being here!
Dr. Lee Sang-hoon (D.L.): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an exciting game.
T.E.: Let’s start with the match itself. Korea secured a 2-0 victory over Cuba. What stood out to you in this game?
D.L.: The performance of starting pitcher Kwak Bin was definitely a highlight. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out two batters without allowing any runs. It’s impressive to see such dominance, especially against a well-known team like Cuba.
T.E.: Absolutely! Kwak Bin faced only eight batters and allowed just one hit in those innings. How does this kind of performance set the tone for the rest of the pitching staff?
D.L.: It sets a fantastic precedent. When the ace performs like that, it not only boosts the confidence of the team, but it also puts pressure on the opposing lineup. The fact that the manager, Ryu Joong-il, rotated eight pitchers during the game shows a strategic approach to managing the player’s workload while keeping the pressure on the Cuban hitters.
T.E.: Speaking of strategy, let’s talk about the Korean offense. Kim Do-young and Lee Joo-hyung played crucial roles. What did you think of their contributions?
D.L.: Kim Do-young scoring the first run with a ground ball to second base was key. Even though he didn’t get a hit, his ability to elevate team performance through plays like that shows his strategic understanding of the game. Lee Joo-hyung’s timely hit to drive in another run reflects the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, especially in crucial moments like two outs.
T.E.: With Korea scheduled to face Cuba again soon, what adjustments do you think both teams will need to make for the upcoming game?
D.L.: For Cuba, they’ll likely need to regroup and find ways to adapt to the Korean pitchers. The Korean bullpen did well in containing their offense, so Cuba would benefit from studying pitching tendencies and adjusting their batting approach. As for Korea, maintaining their momentum on both offense and defense will be crucial. They can’t become complacent after a good win; consistency will determine their success moving forward.
T.E.: That’s insightful! After this series with Cuba, Korea will be heading to Taiwan for the Premier 12. How important are these matches for the team’s preparation?
D.L.: These matches are vital for building chemistry and gauging player performance ahead of an important tournament. They provide the coaching staff a chance to evaluate different players in game situations, which is crucial for making informed decisions about the roster. Competitive games like these can significantly enhance their readiness for the Premier 12.
T.E.: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your analysis and thoughts on the Korean national baseball team’s performance against Cuba. It’s clear that there’s a lot at stake in these matches, both for pride and preparation.
D.L.: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how both teams adapt and perform in the upcoming games.
T.E.: And there you have it, folks! Stay tuned for more updates on the Korean national baseball team as they continue their path in the K-BASEBALL SERIES and prepare for the Premier 12.