From Hell to Heaven: Korea Dramatically Advances to Quarterfinals
by Roh Woolae
Published 09 Mar.2026 22:14(KST)
Defeat Australia 7-2 in Fourth WBC Group Stage Game
Secure Second Place in Group with Lowest Runs Allowed Ratio
Moon Bokyung Drives in Four Runs, Including Two-Run Home Run
The Korean national baseball team has dramatically advanced to the quarterfinals.
On March 9, at Tokyo Dome in Japan, Korea, led by manager Ryu Ji-hyun, defeated Australia 7-2 in the fourth game of Pool C in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) group stage, powered by Moon Bokyung (LG Twins), who drove in four runs, including a two-run home run. Korea, Taiwan, and Australia all finished the group stage with two wins and two losses, but Korea narrowly secured its ticket to the United States by advancing with the lowest runs allowed ratio.
Munk Bogyung is performing an airplane celebration after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning during the fourth game of Group C in the 2026 World Baseball Classic against Australia held at Tokyo Dome on the 9th. Tokyo = Yonhap News Agency
원본보기 아이콘Korea, which reached the semifinals in the inaugural 2006 tournament and finished runner-up in the second edition in 2009, suffered early exits in the group stage in the next three tournaments (2013, 2017, and 2023). This time, after winning against the Czech Republic but losing to Japan and Taiwan, Korea was pushed to the brink but managed a dramatic comeback by defeating Australia.
To advance to the quarterfinals, Korea needed to hold Australia to two runs or fewer and win by at least five runs. In the top of the ninth inning, leading 6-2 and needing one more run, Korea added a valuable insurance run thanks to Kim Doyoung (KIA Tigers) drawing a walk, a defensive error during a hit by Lee Junghoo (San Francisco Giants), and an outfield sacrifice fly by Ahn Hyunmin (kt wiz).
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