There was no shortage of drama and anticipation at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, on March 2, 2026, as the Korean national baseball team squared off against the Hanshin Tigers in an official World Baseball Classic (WBC) practice game. The matchup, which ended in a 3-3 draw, served as a crucial tune-up for Team Korea as they gear up for the highly anticipated WBC group stage opener against the Czech Republic on March 5 at the Tokyo Dome. But beyond the final score, the contest provided a revealing glimpse into Korea’s pitching depth, the challenges facing manager Ryu Ji-hyun, and the resilience of some of the squad’s most seasoned veterans.
With just days remaining before the WBC group stage kicks off, the Korean team’s preparation schedule is packed. Following the Hanshin Tigers contest, they’re set to take on the Orix Buffaloes in another practice game at the same Osaka venue on March 3. These games are more than just warm-ups—they’re high-stakes auditions for players vying for key roles in the upcoming tournament, and nowhere was that more apparent than on the mound during Monday’s clash.
Manager Ryu Ji-hyun sent right-hander Kwak Bin to the mound as Korea’s starter, a move that sparked plenty of conversation among fans and analysts alike. The decision was strategic: with five days of rest before the all-important March 8 showdown against Taiwan, Kwak was being tested for his ability to handle the pressure of a big-game start. And initially, things looked promising. In the first inning, Kwak faced Hanshin’s top of the order and dispatched leadoff hitter Takumu Nakano with a flyout to left, followed by a routine fly to center from Cam Devaney. He then struck out Koji Chikamoto swinging, flashing the kind of stuff that had earned him the “ace” label in the lead-up to the tournament.
But as any seasoned baseball fan knows, one strong inning doesn’t make a start. The second inning quickly unraveled for Kwak Bin. After recording an out on Yusuke Oyama thanks to a stellar play by third baseman Kim Do-young, Kwak issued a walk to Ukyo Maegawa and surrendered a first-pitch single to Hayato Nakagawa, putting runners on the corners with just one out. The pressure mounted, and Hanshin’s Nozomu Takatera lifted a sacrifice fly to center, scoring a run and cutting Korea’s lead to 2-1. The trouble didn’t stop there—Dan Onodera followed with a clutch RBI single to left, tying the game at 2-2 as left fielder Jermaine Jones made a valiant but unsuccessful diving attempt. Then, Torai Fushibi lined a single up the middle, giving Hanshin a 3-2 lead. Kwak, who was expected to provide stability and eat up innings, was pulled after failing to finish the second, having allowed three earned runs—a disappointing outing for a pitcher with such high expectations.
According to Sports Hankook, "Ace Kwak Bin could not last even two innings and gave up three runs." The struggles were evident, and the pressure on the pitching staff only grew as the game progressed.
With the momentum swinging in Hanshin’s favor, all eyes turned to the bullpen. Enter Roh Kyung-eun, the oldest player on the Korean roster at 41 years old. Critics had questioned his inclusion on the squad, but Roh wasted no time silencing the doubters. Taking the mound in the bottom of the third, he attacked the Hanshin lineup with his trademark aggressive approach. Roh induced a pop fly toward third, a routine fly to center, and a foul pop caught by the catcher—three outs, three batters, and suddenly, the Hanshin offense was neutralized. As reported by Yonhap News, "Roh Kyung-eun was pitching in the bottom of the 3rd inning." Roh’s poise under pressure was a masterclass in veteran pitching, and his one-inning scoreless relief provided a needed boost to Korea’s morale.
“Why was he picked?” some had wondered about Roh’s selection. But on this day, the answer was clear: experience and composure can be just as valuable as velocity. Roh’s performance put water on the fire of Hanshin’s surging bats and set the tone for the middle innings.
As the game wore on, another veteran took center stage. Ryu Hyun-jin, soon to turn 39, entered in the sixth and delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he’s been a staple of Korean baseball for so long. Unlike the earlier relievers, Ryu was tasked with handling multiple innings—and he did so with aplomb. Over the sixth and seventh, he induced five consecutive infield groundouts, keeping Hanshin hitters off-balance with his savvy pitch selection and pinpoint control. Even after allowing a two-out single in the seventh, Ryu quickly regrouped and recorded the final out, completing his scoreless stint. As Sports Hankook described, "Ryu Hyun-jin...showed veteran pitching by inducing five consecutive infield ground balls and was stable."
It’s not just about power or youthful energy—sometimes, it’s about guile, timing, and the ability to read hitters. Both Roh Kyung-eun and Ryu Hyun-jin demonstrated that while their fastballs may not light up the radar gun like they once did, their command and baseball IQ remain world-class. Their efforts were crucial in keeping Korea in the game and staving off a Hanshin lineup that had tasted early success.
Meanwhile, manager Ryu Ji-hyun now faces a delicate balancing act as he prepares for the WBC group stage. The struggles of Kwak Bin raise questions about who will be entrusted with starting duties in the most critical games, while the strong showings from Roh and Ryu provide reassurance that experience can still win the day. As the team heads into its final practice game against the Orix Buffaloes, these decisions loom large. Who will get the ball when it matters most? Which arms can be counted on to deliver under pressure?
Looking ahead, the Korean team’s schedule is relentless. After the Orix Buffaloes exhibition, all focus shifts to the Tokyo Dome and the opening WBC clash with the Czech Republic—a matchup that could set the tone for the entire tournament. The stakes are high, and with every inning, the battle for roster spots and pitching assignments intensifies.
For now, the 3-3 draw against Hanshin may not have provided all the answers, but it certainly raised the right questions. The mix of youthful promise and veteran savvy on display in Osaka gives fans plenty to discuss as the countdown to the WBC continues. With the spotlight shining ever brighter, Team Korea’s next moves will be watched closely—not just by their own supporters, but by the entire baseball world.
As the team packs up in Osaka and looks ahead to their next challenge, one thing is certain: the journey to WBC glory is just beginning, and every pitch, every decision, and every veteran’s lesson will count.