'Kang Baek-ho's Walk-off Homer' Baseball National Team Wins Final Exhibition Game Against Kiwoom 2-1

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Our national baseball team, aiming for a second consecutive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, has completed its final rehearsal.

Led by manager Kim Kyung-moon, the team won 2-1 against the Kiwoom Heroes in an evaluation match held on the 25th at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, thanks to Kang Baek-ho's decisive solo home run in the 8th inning.

The team finished the three evaluation matches with 2 wins and 1 draw. Previously, the team defeated the Sangmu Baseball Team 9-0 on the 23rd and tied 2-2 with the LG Twins on the 24th.

Go Young-pyo started as the pitcher that day, throwing 42 pitches over 3 innings, allowing only 1 hit, no walks, striking out 3, and giving up no runs, earning a passing grade in the 'mock test.'

Go Young-pyo's fastball averaged 137 km/h, reaching a top speed of 142 km/h. His signature changeup was especially effective.

After a five-day rest, Go Young-pyo is expected to start in the second group stage game against the United States on the 31st at the Tokyo Olympics.

Lee Eui-ri, who took the mound from the bottom of the 4th inning, pitched 2⅔ innings, allowing 3 hits, striking out 2, and giving up 1 run.

Cleanup hitter Kang Baek-ho played the role of the clutch hitter that day. With the score tied 1-1 in the top of the 8th inning and one out, Kang Baek-ho lined a 132 km/h fastball, the third pitch from Kiwoom reliever Kim Dong-hyuk, over the left-center field fence, giving the team the lead again.

Kang Baek-ho demonstrated the power of the cleanup hitter by delivering the game-winning hit in the final evaluation match, following his performance in the first evaluation game. After completing the final check, the team will depart for Japan on the 26th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.