The South Korean national baseball team lost 4-5 in a 10th-inning extra innings shootout against Taiwan in Group C of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) group stage. As a result, South Korea's group stage record stands at 1 win and 2 losses. Although it has become difficult to advance to the quarterfinals on their own, they can still keep hope alive with a victory in the next game.

South Korea must win the final match against Australia on the 9th, and to maintain the possibility of advancing to the quarterfinals, they need to win by at least 5 runs while allowing 2 runs or fewer. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun expressed his determination not to give up, saying, "There are still scenarios left." He pledged, "We will give it our all."

After the game, Manager Ryu expressed regret over the loss to Taiwan. He bit his lip and said, "This was a game we absolutely had to win, and I apologize to the fans for the unfavorable final result." However, he still emphasized the team's potential and said they would prepare thoroughly.

South Korea fought with full force that day. Starting pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin (Hanwha) was followed by Kwak Bin (Doosan) and Dane Dunning (Seattle), who took turns on the mound to face Taiwan's batting lineup. Manager Ryu explained, "Bringing in these three pitchers consecutively was a thoroughly calculated plan."

Taiwan's starting pitcher Kuo Lin-lui-yang was pointed out as one of the reasons for the loss, as he pitched many innings and held back the South Korean hitters. Manager Ryu analyzed, "Kuo Lin-lui-yang's endurance on the mound allowed Taiwan to rely more on their bullpen in the later stages of the game."

Now, South Korea must deploy all strategies to secure a victory against Australia. Manager Ryu announced Son Joo-young (LG) as the starting pitcher for the Australia game. The significant task of leading South Korean baseball to the quarterfinals rests on Son Joo-young's shoulders.

The South Korean national baseball team is preparing for the final battle against Australia at the Tokyo Dome on the 9th. This game is crucial in determining the fate of South Korean baseball, and the players must do their best to claim victory.