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Our national team secured a thrilling comeback victory against Japan at the 18U Asian Baseball Championship. Top prospects who are set to enter professional baseball next year, cleanup hitter Lee Ho-min and ace pitcher Ha Hyun-seung, delivered stellar performances.
Reporter Bae Jeonghun has the details.
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Getting off to a shaky start by giving up two runs in the first inning, the national team kept its hopes alive in the second inning with one out and the bases loaded, as third pitcher Kim Min-hun struck out consecutive batters to prevent any further damage.
The chase began in the fourth inning with a powerful home run.
Cleanup hitter Lee Ho-min launched a solo shot over the left-field wall, celebrating with excitement.
After escaping a scoring threat in the following inning thanks to center fielder Park Bo-seung's super catch, manager Jung Yoon-jin signaled his intent to turn the game around by bringing in ace Ha Hyun-seung in the fifth inning. Ha had previously pitched a dominant, scoreless relief appearance with 12 strikeouts against Taiwan while trailing by a run.
Having shifted the momentum with Ha Hyun-seung's powerful pitching, the national team finally turned the tables in the sixth inning.
With one out and a runner on second, team captain Eom Jun-sang tied the game with an RBI double slicing through right-center. Then, Lee Ho-min, the hero of the earlier chase home run, drove Eom Jun-sang home with an RBI double dropping near the left fielder to score the go-ahead run.
Ha Hyun-seung put on a perfect pitching display over three innings, retiring all nine batters he faced with five strikeouts. After sealing the 3-2 victory with a final strikeout, he roared in celebration and savored the win.
[Interview / Lee Ho-min / 18U National Baseball Team Infielder: It is such an honor to become the protagonist on this big stage. I will do my best to fulfill my role as the national team's cleanup hitter and enjoy the glory of winning the gold medal.]
The national team will secure a spot in the finals if it defeats the Philippines tomorrow (September 12).
(Video Editing: Lee Jae-sung)
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