Taiwan Defeats Korea 5-4 in Extra Innings at WBC Classic
TOKYO – In a game brimming with power and punctuated by strategic small ball, Chinese Taipei secured a historic 5-4 victory over South Korea in 10 innings at the Tokyo Dome on . The win marks Chinese Taipei’s first ever tournament victory against Korea in World Baseball Classic play and keeps their hopes alive for advancement in Pool C.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, highlighted by a combined six home runs. Yu Chang put Chinese Taipei on the board first with a solo shot in the opening inning. Korea responded in the fifth, tying the game before taking the lead in the sixth on a two-run homer by Kim Do Yeong. Chinese Taipei answered with a solo blast from Zheng Zhong Zhe in the sixth and a two-run shot by Stuart Fairchild in the eighth, briefly taking a 4-3 lead.
However, Korea battled back, tying the score at 4-4 in the eighth on a double by Kim Do Yeong, scoring Kim Hye Seong. The game remained tied through nine innings, setting the stage for a dramatic 10th.
In the top of the 10th, Chinese Taipei employed a savvy offensive strategy. Chen Chieh-Hsien, used as a designated runner, reached base and advanced to third. A subsequent sacrifice bunt by Chiang Shao-Hung moved Chen home, giving Chinese Taipei a 5-4 advantage. Another sacrifice bunt, this time by Chiang Kun-Yu, ensured the run scored.
The bottom of the 10th proved tense. Korea threatened to tie the game, but a crucial defensive play by first baseman Wu Nien-Ting, who threw to catcher Chiang Shao-Hung, cut down Ju Won Kim attempting to score, preserving the lead. The play was challenged, but the original out call stood.
The victory was a team effort for Chinese Taipei. Fairchild’s performance, including his second home run of the tournament (a grand slam previously against the Czech Republic), proved pivotal. Starting pitcher Gu Lin Rui-Qian delivered a strong four innings, holding Korea scoreless. Tseng Chun-Yue earned the save, closing out the game with composure.
For South Korea, the loss is a setback in their tournament aspirations. Hyun Jin Ryu made his first appearance for the national team since winning Olympic gold in 2008, pitching three innings and allowing one run. However, the Korean offense struggled to consistently break through against Chinese Taipei’s pitching.
The win improves Chinese Taipei’s record to 2-2 in Pool C. They have completed their pool play. South Korea now stands at 1-2 and will face Australia on in a crucial game to determine their fate in the tournament. Australia has already defeated Taiwan.
This game, described as a “dinger-filled, heavyweight spectacle,” lived up to its billing, providing a thrilling contest for the over 40,000 predominantly Taiwanese fans in attendance. The strategic use of the sacrifice bunt in the 10th inning proved to be the deciding factor, showcasing the importance of small ball even in an era of power hitting. The victory represents a significant milestone for Chinese Taipei baseball, delivering a first-ever World Baseball Classic win against a traditionally strong Korean squad.