Korean Baseball on the Edge, Lee Eui-ri Bears the Responsibility

Starting Pitcher Selected for Loser Semifinal Between USA and Opponent

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The baseball national team's bid for a second consecutive Olympic gold has hit a red light. After losing to Japan, they were pushed into the loser's semifinal. If they lose this as well, their chance at the gold medal will vanish.

On the 5th at 7 p.m., the baseball national team will face the United States at Yokohama Stadium in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, competing for a spot in the final. If they win, they will face Japan again, who advanced directly to the final, and can aim for the gold medal. If they lose, they will play the Dominican Republic in the bronze medal match. The team had previously lost to the United States 2-4 in the group stage.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon will send the 'youngest' Lee Eui-ri (19, KIA) to the starting mound. He is a left-handed pitcher who started in the first round of the knockout stage against the Dominican Republic on the 1st. Using a sharp changeup, he struck out nine batters from a lineup featuring former major leaguers like Jose Bautista and Melky Cabrera. However, after giving up a home run, he faltered and finished with 5 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, and 3 runs.

The issue is his condition. Lee Eui-ri threw 74 pitches and only had three days of rest. There is doubt whether he can show the same pitching power as he did against the Dominican Republic. He may not be able to pitch many innings. However, the team has no other choice in this match, as losing here would end their gold medal challenge. A new 'left-handed starter' to follow in the footsteps of Ryu Hyun-jin (Toronto), Kim Kwang-hyun (St. Louis), and Yang Hyeon-jong (Texas) is urgently needed in international competitions.

The United States will start Joe Ryan (25), who has yet to experience Major League Baseball. He is a right-handed prospect who was traded from Tampa Bay to Minnesota on the 23rd of last month. His Triple-A record this year includes 12 games with 4 wins, 3 losses, and a 3.63 ERA. He combines a fastball around 150 km/h with a changeup and slider. On the 30th of last month, he started against Israel in the group stage, pitching 6 innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 run. Although he gave up a home run to Danny Valencia, he demonstrated economical pitching with 70 pitches.