Taiwan Secures Dramatic Win Over Korea in World Baseball Classic
In a thrilling contest at Tokyo Dome on Sunday, March 8, 2026, Chinese Taipei defeated South Korea 5-4 in a 10-inning game, keeping their hopes alive for advancement in the World Baseball Classic. This marks the first time Chinese Taipei has defeated Korea in the tournament’s history, a significant achievement for the team and its fans.
The game, attended by over 40,000 spectators – largely supporters from Taiwan – was a back-and-forth affair filled with home runs. A sacrifice bunt by Kun-Yu Chiang in the top of the 10th inning brought Chieh-Hsien Chen home for the winning run. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it came down to a play at the plate, where first baseman Nien-Ting Wu threw to Shao-Hung Chiang to tag out Ju Won Kim attempting to tie the game; the call was upheld after a challenge.
Hyun Jin Ryu, making his first appearance for the national team since 2008, pitched three innings for Korea, allowing a solo home run to Yu Chang. Korea briefly tied the game in the fifth inning on a double-play ground ball hit by Shay Whitcomb. However, Chinese Taipei regained the lead in the sixth with a solo shot from Tsung-Che Cheng.
The win keeps Chinese Taipei’s chances of moving forward in the tournament alive. A win for Korea on Monday against Australia, contingent on an Australian loss to Japan, would also allow them to advance. This outcome underscores the competitive nature of international sports and the dedication of athletes competing on a global stage.
The starting lineups for both teams were as follows:
Taiwan: Zheng Zhong Zhe (2B), Chen Chen Wei (LF), Feirchaide (CF), Zhang Yuchen (3B), Wu Nian Ting (1B), Lin Anke (RF), Jilijilao・Gongguan (DH), Lin Jia Zheng (C), Jiang Kunyu (SS). Starting pitcher: Gu Lin Ruiqian.
Korea: Kim Do Young (3B), Jones (Jahmai Jones) (LF), Lee Jeong Hoo (CF), Ahn Hyun Min (RF), Moon Bo Kyung (DH), Whitcomb (Shay Whitcomb) (1B), Kim Ju Won (SS), Park Dong Won (C), Kim Hye Seong (2B). Starting pitcher: Ryu Hyun Jin.
