Korea strikes back, 17 hits not enough for Canada to avoid first loss

Korea struck back after suffering a painful loss against Australia and defeated Canada, 8-5. it was the first loss for Canada and it came despite an impressive show of strength of the lineup. The North Americans outhit Korea, 17-13, but paid the fact starting pitcher Theodore Millas allowed six runs without getting no one out in the bottom of the first.

The beginning of the game was a real nightmare for Canada. Right fielder Lee Juhyeong led off with a double and second baseman Kim Jichan dropped a bunt for a base hit. Korea pushed again with the short ball and also third baseman Shin Junwoo reached on a bunt that turned into a base hit. Korea made the most of it. Shortstop Park Min and designated hitter Nam Jimin singled and left fielder Park Juhong sent Millas to the showers with a two-RBI double.

Submarine Korean starter Lee Kangjun

Trailing 8-0, Canada got to starter Lee Kangjun in the top of the sixth. The submarine had so far dominated, showing impressive movement on his pitches. He gave up back to back singles to left fielder César Valero Sanchez and first baseman Noah Hull, then walked the bases loaded.
After a visit, second baseman Elijha Hammill singled in the first run for Canada and Lee Kangjun left for reliever Lee Seunghyu.
The newcomer got started with a strikeout, then allowed a two-RBI double to centre fielder Dasan Brown.

Canada suddenly felt there was a chance for a comeback. Hammill, right fielder Micah Mc Dowell and Dasan Brown loaded the bases against reliever Choi Junyong in the top of the eighth on consecutive base hits. Third baseman Tyrell Schofield-Same made it 8-4 with a single but the inning ended on a line drive by catcher Ryan Leitch right at Korea’s shortstop. Park Min reacted quick and doubled up Mc Dowell at second.

Canada put on board the runners that could potentially tie the game in the top of the ninth on three more hits. Hammill doubled in the fifth run, but with runners at second and third the game ended as leadoff hitter Mc Dowell grounded out to second.