[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Our national baseball team, aiming for a second consecutive gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, has completed its final rehearsal.
Led by manager Kim Kyung-moon, the team won 2-1 against the Kiwoom Heroes in an evaluation match held on the 25th at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, thanks to Kang Baek-ho's decisive solo home run in the 8th inning.
The team finished the three evaluation matches with 2 wins and 1 draw. Previously, the team defeated the Sangmu Baseball Team 9-0 on the 23rd and tied 2-2 with the LG Twins on the 24th.
Go Young-pyo started as the pitcher that day, throwing 42 pitches over 3 innings, allowing only 1 hit, no walks, striking out 3, and giving up no runs, earning a passing grade in the 'mock test.'
Go Young-pyo's fastball averaged 137 km/h, reaching a top speed of 142 km/h. His signature changeup was especially effective.
After a five-day rest, Go Young-pyo is expected to start in the second group stage game against the United States on the 31st at the Tokyo Olympics.
Lee Eui-ri, who took the mound from the bottom of the 4th inning, pitched 2⅔ innings, allowing 3 hits, striking out 2, and giving up 1 run.
Cleanup hitter Kang Baek-ho played the role of the clutch hitter that day. With the score tied 1-1 in the top of the 8th inning and one out, Kang Baek-ho lined a 132 km/h fastball, the third pitch from Kiwoom reliever Kim Dong-hyuk, over the left-center field fence, giving the team the lead again.
Kang Baek-ho demonstrated the power of the cleanup hitter by delivering the game-winning hit in the final evaluation match, following his performance in the first evaluation game. After completing the final check, the team will depart for Japan on the 26th.
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