Toyohashi:South Korea secured its fifth consecutive gold medal in baseball at the Asian Games, thanks to an outstanding performance by pitcher Gwak Been. The Doosan Bears right-hander played a crucial role in defeating the host country, Japan, in the final match on Sunday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Gwak was instrumental in two key games during the tournament. He first delivered six shutout innings, striking out 10, in the opening 5-0 win against Chinese Taipei, a major contender for the title. In the gold medal match against Japan, Gwak allowed only one run on four hits across 6 1/3 innings, striking out nine and helping South Korea secure a 3-1 victory at Toyohashi Municipal Baseball Stadium.

Gwak's performance, including holding Japan hitless through four innings and overcoming a leadoff double in the fifth, was pivotal. Despite Japan tying the game in the seventh inning, Gwak's teammates rallied in the eighth to regain the lead. Relievers Jo Byeong-hyeon and Park Yeong-hyun preserved the win, demonstrating South Korea's consistent ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Throughout the tournament, Gwak's pitching was vital. He threw 111 pitches in the final, narrowly missing his season high in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), where he currently leads with a 2.26 ERA and 186 strikeouts.

Reflecting on his performance, Gwak expressed satisfaction and gratitude. He thanked fellow pitcher Moon Dong-ju, who had taken on the top starter role in the previous Asian Games when Gwak was sidelined. Gwak aims to pitch in Major League Baseball, a dream he has held since childhood, and plans to continue improving to achieve this goal.