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3h ago

Kim Ju-won’s Ninth-Inning Homer Secures 7-7 Draw for South Korea Against Japan

Persistent control issues under human umpire zones underscore the adjustments South Korea needs before the World Baseball Classic.

South Korean reliever Jo Byeong-hyeon (R) reacts after giving up a bases-loaded walk to Ryota Isobata of Japan during the teams' exhibition baseball game at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on Nov. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
Moon Hyun-bin of South Korea (R) reacts after getting thrown out at home against Japan during the teams' exhibition baseball game at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on Nov. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
South Korean reliever Bae Chan-seung reacts after giving up a bases-loaded walk to Ryota Isobata of Japan during the teams' exhibition baseball game at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on Nov. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
South Korean reliever Kim Young-woo returns to the dugout after allowing a go-ahead run to Japan during the teams' exhibition baseball game at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on Nov. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The exhibition at Tokyo Dome ended in a tie with no extra innings after Kim Young-woong struck out following Kim Ju-won’s game-tying blast off Taisei Ota.
  • South Korean relievers issued 11 walks on Sunday, including four with the bases loaded, allowing Japan to erase early leads.
  • Across the two Tokyo games, South Korea pitchers totaled 21 walks in 17 innings, highlighting ongoing command problems.
  • Coaches pointed to the absence of the automated ball-strike system and tighter human strike zones as factors requiring adjustment.
  • Manager Ryu Ji-hyun urged pitchers to diversify their mix and change speeds as the KBO uses these exhibitions to ready younger players for WBC rules.