Kadena: The national baseball team of South Korea achieved its fourth consecutive scrimmage victory as part of its preparation for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). Under the management of Ryu Ji-hyun, South Korea triumphed over the Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with a 16-6 victory at Kadena Baseball Stadium in Okinawa, Japan.
According to Yonhap News Agency, KT Wiz outfielder Ahn Hyun-min and Kia Tigers infielder Kim Do-yeong launched consecutive home runs, contributing to South Korea's 16-hit performance. The team is set to commence its WBC campaign against the Czech Republic next Thursday at Tokyo Dome, with subsequent games against Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Australia. The top two teams from Pool C will advance to the quarterfinals in Miami, scheduled for March 13.
South Korean starter So Hyeong-jun allowed two runs in the opening inning, but his teammates responded with four runs in the second inning and another in the fourth. South Korea then erupted for 10 runs in the fifth inning, with Moon Hyun-bin and Park Dong-won hitting consecutive two-run doubles, followed by Ahn's grand slam and Kim's solo home run. Despite a couple of two-run home runs by the Lions in the eighth inning, South Korea maintained a significant lead.
After So's initial performance, Hanwha Eagles right-hander Jeong Woo-joo pitched three perfect innings in relief. South Korea's final scrimmage in Okinawa will be against the Wiz on Friday, followed by two official pre-WBC tuneup games in Osaka against the Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes at Kyocera Dome.
Ryu expressed satisfaction with the team's progress, noting that the players are improving with each game. He praised Kim for his home run after a challenging start in the scrimmage. Kim, who had a standout 2024 KBO season, was limited by injuries in 2025 but has shown full recovery in the current camp. Ryu also emphasized Ahn's potential, recognizing his power and on-base skills, which could prove advantageous in the lineup.
Makoto Kaneko, the Japanese national team's bench coach, attended the game to scout players like Ahn, who humorously acknowledged Kaneko's presence after his home run. Ahn remains focused on refining his performance ahead of the WBC games in Tokyo.
The national team's preparations continue as they aim to maintain their winning momentum into the World Baseball Classic, showcasing the talent and determination within the squad.