Lee Kang-cheol-ho finished all his journeys in regret.
The Korean baseball team, led by coach Lee Kang-cheol, won a cold game 22-2 in the 2023 WBC (World Baseball Classic) group B match against China held at Tokyo Dome, Japan on the 13th. Korea scored a run in every inning, including the home runs of Park Kun-Woo and Kim Ha-Sung, and won a cold game by 20 points as of the end of the 5th inning.
The final score was 2 wins and 2 losses. Before the match against China, Korea was already set to fail in the quarterfinals. Group B 1st place Japan and 2nd place Australia passed the first round. Korea experienced the frustration of being eliminated in the first round of the WBC tournament three times in a row. Following the 2013 tournament and the 2017 tournament, the WBC held in six years also failed to pass the first round.스포츠토토
After passing the first round and the quarterfinals, Korea, whose goal was to advance to the semifinals in Miami, USA, boarded the return flight on the 14th with a disappointing report card in hand.
The following is a Q&A from coach Lee Kang-cheol’s press conference after the end of the match against China.
-What is your evaluation of today’s match?
▶It was the last game, but the players did their best without losing concentration until the end, so we were able to win a good victory.
-Your elimination in the first round has been confirmed, but if you look back on your last four matches.
▶I sincerely thank the fans who visited the ballpark even though it was decided to be eliminated. I am sincerely sorry to the people and baseball fans in Korea. A little more from us… The players prepared really well, and they did their best to prepare hard. I think the result came out like this because I was lacking a bit, but I apologize once again.
– What are the future improvements and goals for Korean baseball?
▶ Rather than thinking of improving now, go back calmly and think about what we lacked and what we liked. I’ll try to fix it myself so I can prepare again.
-In the 1st and 2nd WBC, Korea had good results, but was eliminated in the 1st round 3 times in a row. The difference between before and now.
▶At that time, I was able to decide on a pitcher who could definitely go out in the starting and midfield. Because I had worse grades as a pitcher than as a fielder (this time). This year, from the time I was selecting players and when I was lacking, I picked them as I thought, but isn’t there a part that is out of place here? I should have decided on a clear selection, but I think I didn’t get good grades because I couldn’t decide on that because I was lacking.
– I heard that you couldn’t call An Woo-jin before this tournament. (Question from reporters in Japan)
▶I have no regrets about that decision.
-Why is Tommy Edman not on business today? This is the first time a foreign player has joined the team. What effect did it have on the team?
▶It was a bit uncomfortable, but he said it was okay, but he was excluded from the start for body care. I entered the major leagues and played together, but the results were not good, so what can I say? Still, our players got along well and there was no hindrance to teamwork. The results were just not good. I’m thinking good.