Choi Min-seok delivered a perfect performance against the Hong Kong lineup, pitching two flawless innings before leaving the mound. His early exit is seen as a strategic move in preparation for the finals, raising interest in his potential appearance in that game.
On September 22, at the Toyohashi Municipal Stadium in Aichi, Japan, Choi started for South Korea in the second match of the B group preliminary round of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games baseball tournament, recording two strikeouts and no runs over two innings.
Starting with a 2-0 lead thanks to Noh Si-hwan's two-run homer, Choi faced the Hong Kong batters in the first and second innings, retiring them in order and maintaining his perfect pitching.
The South Korean team extended their lead to 7-0 in the third inning with Jo Hyung-woo's grand slam, after which Choi handed the mound over to Kim Jin-wook at the end of the third inning.
Choi's successful debut for the national team came after he efficiently handled two innings. Given that he did not pitch many innings, there is speculation that he may take the mound after Kwak Bin in the finals.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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