Baseball manager Ryu Ji-hyun: "The quality of KIM Do-young's contact changed in his final at-bat"... vows to avenge loss to Japan [Nagoya Asian Games]

[Financial News]  The shock of the unexpected 0-5 disaster has already been shaken off. The manager's focus is fixed solely on perfect revenge against archrival Japan, whom South Korea will meet again on the biggest stage.
The South Korea national baseball team, led by Ryu Ji-hyun, defeated China 9-2 in the second game of the baseball super round at Toyohashi Municipal Baseball Stadium in Aichi Prefecture on the 26th, securing a place in the final of the 2026 Asian Games. After overcoming the shock of their 0-5 loss to Japan's corporate baseball team the previous day, South Korea finished the super round with a 2-1 record. The team will now face Japan, which beat Taiwan and finished first with a perfect 3-0 record, in a rematch for the gold medal.
When Ryu Ji-hyun met with reporters after the game, his expression reflected both the disappointment of the previous day and his determination for tomorrow. Looking back ruefully, Ryu said, "Our goal for this tournament was to win all six games, but things did not go according to plan against Japan." He then declared firmly, "We recognized before the tournament that Japan was a formidable opponent, and we expected to meet them in the final. We will make sure to produce a good result in tomorrow's final."
The game against China began under difficult circumstances after torrential rain delayed the start by an hour. The players were unable to warm up properly, and the effects showed when starting pitcher Choi Min-seok of Doosan struggled with his control in the top of the first and allowed the opening run.
However, the bench's quick decision-making and Choi Min-seok's ability to navigate trouble made the difference. Ryu explained, "In the first inning, China's hitters were often making solid contact against Choi Min-seok's two-seam fastball. We immediately prepared a different approach, increased our use of breaking balls, and he held them in check through the seventh."

Most importantly, Choi Min-seok's one-run performance over seven innings provided an invaluable boost to South Korea's pitching staff ahead of the final.
Ryu also praised him, saying, "Because we had used our key bullpen arms in yesterday's game against Japan, Choi Min-seok needed to go as deep as possible." He added, "His taking full responsibility for seven innings gave us a major boost as we prepare for tomorrow's game against Japan."
Along with the strong pitching performance, it was encouraging to see several key hitters gradually emerge from their prolonged slumps. KIM Do-young of the KIA Tigers, Moon Hyun-bin, and Roh Si-hwan of Hanwha all recorded hits and began to regain their batting rhythm after struggling throughout the tournament.

In particular, Ryu made no secret of his strong expectations for a turnaround from home run champion KIM Do-young.
Ryu emphasized, "More than anything, it is positive that KIM Do-young produced quality contact in his final at-bat." He added, "It would be fair to expect a strong performance from KIM Do-young in tomorrow's final."
The pitching staff has been preserved, and the bats have finally come alive. The final between South Korea and Japan, with both a fifth consecutive Asian Games title and revenge for the earlier disaster at stake, will be held at the same venue at 6:30 p.m. on the 27th.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter