Osaka: South Korean starter Gwak Been faced challenges with his command during an exhibition game on Monday, as he prepared for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). Gwak attributed his less-than-ideal performance to difficulties in controlling his secondary pitches.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Gwak allowed three runs on three hits and one walk across two innings, leading to a 3-3 tie between South Korea and the Hanshin Tigers at Kyocera Dome in Osaka. This game marked the first of South Korea's two exhibition matches in Osaka, with another game against the Orix Buffaloes scheduled for Tuesday.
South Korea is set to begin the WBC on Thursday against the Czech Republic at Tokyo Dome, with Gwak anticipated to start against Chinese Taipei on Sunday. During the first inning of the exhibition, Gwak demonstrated his potential by throwing fastballs that reached 156 kilometers per hour, retiring the side on just 11 pitches.
Despite starting with a 2-0 lead provided by his teammates, Gwak struggled in the second inning as the Tigers scored three times. His issues with curveballs and other secondary pitches allowed the Tigers to capitalize. A walk to Ukyo Maegawa, followed by a single from Hayato Nakagawa, set the stage for Nozomu Takatera's sacrifice fly, which scored the Tigers' first run. Dan Onodera's double and Torai Fushimi's single furthered the Tigers' lead.
Manager Ryu Ji-hyun had initially planned for Gwak to pitch three innings on 50 to 60 pitches, but he was forced to call on the bullpen after only two innings and 35 pitches. Gwak admitted his struggles with command, particularly with his breaking balls, left him vulnerable.
Gwak expressed disappointment with his performance, acknowledging that his focus on avoiding walks resulted in leaving pitches over the plate. He also mentioned pitching with a broken nail during the second inning but dismissed it as a factor in his command issues.
Gwak remains optimistic about his next performance, suggesting that overcoming a challenging game early on could be beneficial. "I think I will be better the next time out," he stated confidently.