Photo : YONHAP News
South Korea fell to defending champion Japan in its second group‑stage game of the World Baseball Classic.
In the Group C matchup at Tokyo Dome on Saturday, South Korea jumped out to a three‑run lead in the first inning but ultimately lost 8-6 after giving up four home runs to players including Shohei Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki.
South Korea, which beat Czechia in its opener Thursday, now stands at 1-1, while Japan extended its winning streak to two games.
At 1-1, South Korea will face Taiwan at noon Sunday and Australia at 7 p.m. Monday.
Taiwan is 1-2, and Australia has won two games so far. To secure a quarterfinal berth, awarded to the top two teams in the group, South Korea must win both remaining games against Taiwan and Australia.