In a recent practice match held in Okinawa, Japan, the WBC national baseball team faced off against the Samsung Lions, coming up short with a 3-4 defeat. The young duo of Ahn Hyun-min from KT Wiz and Kim Do-young from KIA Tigers showcased their talents, with Ahn hitting a solo home run during his first at-bat, further solidifying his emerging status as a next-gen slugger for the team. Both players are making their first appearances on the national team and contributed significantly to the offense during this early stage of preparation for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The game, which lasted for seven innings, featured a rotation of pitchers including Seo Hyung-jun, who pitched two scoreless innings, while other pitchers such as Jeong Woo-joo and Noh Kyung-eun faced minor setbacks, allowing runs from their respective innings. The team is currently grappling with lineup adjustments, as they lost two key pitchers to injuries prior to the match. Despite the loss, the team is using these practice matches to build chemistry and prepare for the WBC, demonstrating resilience and determination ahead of their upcoming games.

Looking ahead, the WBC national team is scheduled to face Hanwha on the 21st at the Ayase Kochen Stadium, where veteran pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin is set to make his first start for the national team since the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, marking a significant comeback for him. Over the next few weeks, the national team will engage in a total of six practice games against local clubs before heading to Osaka at the end of February for the World Baseball Classic, emphasizing their commitment to readiness and competitive performance.