Preview: Mexico, Korea looking to bounce back in Super Round

After coming off losses in their previous Super Round games, no. 6 ranked Mexico and no. 3 ranked Korea will go head-to-head at the Tokyo Dome on Friday.

Mexico’s first defeat of the 2019 Premier12 came on Wednesday night at the hands of no. 1 ranked Japan, as they fell to a 3-1 record. Jonathan Jones’ solo home run was not enough against Japan, as the host nation’s pitching and defence thrived against Mexico. Jones, Matt Clark and Ali Solis have all hit two home runs at the 2019 Premier12.  

Chinese Taipei inflicted Korea’s first loss of the Premier12 on Tuesday, giving the Group C a 2-1 record in Super Round play. Three pitchers combined for the shut-out on Tuesday, as Korea could on manage five hits.

Mexico will send Manuel Barreda to the mound for his third appearance of the tournament. Barreda appeared once in the Opening Round against Netherlands, and once in the Super Round against Australia. The right-hander has tossed 3.2 innings, striking out three and not allowing a hit.

Jonghun Park will make his second start at the Premier12 after a no-decision against Cuba in the Opening Round. Park scattered four hits in four scoreless innings, striking out two in Korea’s 7-0 win. Jung-Hoo Lee leads the Premier12 with five doubles.

First pitch from the Tokyo Dome is slated for 19:00 JST.