Pitchers dominate as Korea beat South Africa

World No. 6 Korea earned their second win in the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024 in Shaoxing, China as they defeated No. 31 South Africa, 6-1.

Korea sent five relievers to the mound after starter Wonpyo Hong left at the end of the third. South Africa combined two hits; the second was worth their only run in the bottom of the seventh. Reliever Jiheon Han pitched a rare immaculate inning in the bottom of the fifth.

After two scoreless innings, Korea took advantage of an error and a passed ball to take control of the game with a five-run top of the third.

Designated hitter Donghyun Kim, catcher Siang Kim (singles) and first baseman Daeseon Jeong (double) got to South Africa's starter Bryce McClelan. Keenan Campbell came out of the bullpen to get the third out.

Korea added a run in the top of the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Daeseon Jeong.

Korea's starter, Wonpyo Hong, left after three innings, allowing only one hit. The bullpen took care of the rest of the game with five different pitchers.

Reliever Jiheon Han pitched an immaculate bottom of the fifth, striking out Kevin Costigan, Ethan Grobler and Sylvester Maredi on nine consecutive strikes.

Shorstop Josh November hit an RBI double off reliever Juhwan Son in the bottom of the seventh, batting in South Africa's only run.

Korea (2-0) will play World No. 7 the Netherlands on Day 3. In a morning game, South Africa (0-2) will face No. 5 Venezuela.