The South Korean baseball team is one step away from securing its fifth consecutive title at the Asian Games. Their opponent is Japan, which handed Korea a painful defeat just two days prior.
Under the leadership of manager Ryu Ji-hyun, Korea will face Japan in the final of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games baseball tournament on the 27th at 6:30 PM at Toyohashi Municipal Baseball Stadium in Aichi Prefecture.
Korea secured its spot in the final by defeating China 9-2 on the 26th, finishing the Super Round with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss. Japan, on the other hand, has won all five of its matches in the tournament to reach the final. If Korea wins the gold medal, it will mark its fifth consecutive victory, following wins in Guangzhou in 2010, Incheon in 2014, Jakarta-Palembang in 2018, and Hangzhou in 2022.
This final holds greater significance for Korea. In their previous match on the 25th at the same venue, Korea suffered a 0-5 defeat to Japan in the first game of the Super Round. Despite fielding a team of professional players, Korea struggled against a Japanese team primarily composed of corporate league players. This loss marked Korea's first defeat to Japan in an Asian Games matchup since the 2006 Doha Games.
The main issue for Korea was its batting lineup. Against Japan's left-handed starter Higuichi Shin, Korea managed only four hits over seven innings and failed to score. The three hits recorded by the sixth inning all resulted in double plays, disrupting the offensive flow. Higuichi effectively contained the Korean lineup with fastballs reaching the mid-140 km/h range, precise control, and effective breaking pitches.
In the final, Korea will face Higuichi once again. Japan is opting to start Higuichi, who threw 92 pitches and recorded seven scoreless innings against Korea on the 25th, just two days after that performance. This quick turnaround comes after only one day of rest for Higuichi.
Korea will counter with its ace, Kwak Bin of the Doosan Bears. Kwak made a strong impression in the group stage opener against Taiwan on the 21st, pitching six innings without allowing a hit, giving up only two walks, and striking out ten batters. He dominated the Taiwanese lineup with a fastball that reached 157 km/h.
With Kwak having had sufficient rest and Higuichi pitching on short rest, Korea has a favorable matchup on the mound.
The key will be how quickly Korea can attack Higuichi in their second encounter. After the first matchup was marred by double plays that halted momentum, the ability to get on base and execute offensively will be crucial for Korea's success.
Weather conditions also pose a variable. Heavy rain fell in Aichi Prefecture the day before, causing delays in the game start. The weather and ground conditions on the day of the final could also impact the game's operation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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