Korea manager finds silver linings from exhibition loss

• Published date: 06 March 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

Even in a discouraging defeat in an exhibition game ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) on Monday, Korea manager Lee Kang-chul managed to find some silver linings.

Korea was charged with three errors in a 4-2 loss to the Orix Buffaloes at Kyocera Dome Osaka here Monday. Korea outhit the reigning Japan Series champions 10-9 but could only eke out the two runs ? both coming in the top of the ninth against a minor league pitcher. Starting shortstop Oh Ji-hwan made two errors and his midgame replacement, Kim Ha-seong, committed another.

Lee said he was still pleased to see his team scratch out those late runs and avoid getting blanked, and added he was also happy with the progress his team has made, the final result notwithstanding.

"Our pitchers are rounding into form, and our hitters got to see some quality fastballs and breaking balls for the first time in a while," Lee said. "Their timing at the plate looked pretty good. It's just that some of their balls went right to fielders."

Korea will play one more exhibition Tuesday, against the Hanshin Tigers at the same dome, before traveling to Tokyo for the big tournament. Lee's team will have its official practice...