Olympic Baseball Semifinal #2 KOR-USA: Historical Preview and starting pitchers

The 16-game Tokyo 2020 Olympic baseball tournament is down to its last three games, which will take place over two competition days. The next game is the second semifinal, which is scheduled for Thursday, 5 August at 7 pm local time.

No. 3 Korea vs. No. 4 USA

US manager Mike Scioscia has chosen right-hander Joe Ryan as his starting pitcher. The 25-year old is a starter at the Triple-A level for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). Ryan pitched six solid innings against Israel in the group stage of Tokyo 2020.

Korea manager Kyung-moon Kim will hand the ball to left-hander Euilee Lee. The 19-year old is in his rookie season for the Kia Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Lee started the game against the Dominican Republic on Sunday, 1 August and came out with a no-decision.

• Korea and USA are 2-2 in their last four games in major international competition.
• The US defeated Korea, 4-2, in the group stage of the Tokyo 2020 Games.
• Korea recorded a 5-1 win versus United States in the super round of the Premier12 in 2019.
• Korea won the 2015 Premier12 by defeating United States 8-0 in the final. USA beat Korea 3-2 in 10 innings during the 2015 tournament's opening round.
• Korea have lost more Olympic Games versus United States (4) than against any other opponent.

The winner will advance to the gold medal game against Japan. The loser will play for bronze against the Dominican Republic. Both finals are scheduled for Saturday, 7 August.