Tokyo: Left-hander Son Ju-young's first World Baseball Classic (WBC) start will occur in a crucial match for South Korea against Australia. This win-or-go-home game, scheduled for Monday, will determine South Korea's fate in the tournament.
According to Yonhap News Agency, following South Korea's 5-4 loss to Chinese Taipei at Tokyo Dome, manager Ryu Ji-hyun named the LG Twins pitcher as the starter for the final Pool C contest against Australia at 7 p.m. Monday. The loss to Chinese Taipei dropped South Korea's record to 1-2, with Japan already securing a quarterfinal spot. Australia has also won two consecutive games and will face Japan later Sunday.
If Australia wins against Japan, they will join Japan in the quarterfinals, eliminating South Korea. However, if Australia loses, South Korea will have a chance to advance by winning Monday's game with specific conditions: a victory by at least five runs and allowing no more than two runs in a nine-inning game.
Son Ju-young, aware of his assignment since Saturday, expressed his readiness for the high-pressure game. He even volunteered to pitch an inning during Saturday's game against Japan to acclimate himself to game conditions. "Honestly, I didn't think I was going to face Australia. I'd been preparing for Chinese Taipei," Son said. "But physically, I feel great. I am ready to go."
Son noted the challenge posed by Australia's powerful lineup, which has hit four home runs in two games. However, he draws confidence from his experience with the LG Twins in the Korea Baseball Organization. "I have memories of coming through in key spots pitching for LG," Son stated. "So I will try to pitch the best I can tomorrow."