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Korea manager calls on pitchers to minimize mistakes vs. powerful Dominican lineup

Published: 13 Mar. 2026, 09:19

South Korea manager Ryu Ji-hyun watches his players during practice at loanDepot park in Miami on March 12 the eve of South Korea's quarterfinal game against the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic. [YONHAP]

With Korea about to take on the top home run-hitting nation of the ongoing World Baseball Classic (WBC) in the quarterfinals, manager Ryu Ji-hyun on Thursday emphasized the need to minimize mistakes on the mound.

Korea, the Pool C runner-up, will face the Pool D winner, Dominican Republic, in the quarterfinals at loanDepot park in Miami at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Led by major league sluggers such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Junior Caminero, the Dominican Republic led all countries in the first round with 13 home runs in four games. The Dominicans smashed four home runs in a 7-5 win over Venezuela on Wednesday that netted them the top seed in Pool D and set up the quarterfinal meeting against Korea.

Korean pitching, on the other hand, surrendered nine home runs in the first round, tied with three other countries for the most at the WBC.

At his press conference in Miami, Ryu said he and his players were well aware of the talent level of their upcoming opponent.

"That is a team with world-class players. We've done our homework, and we will try to play a good game," Ryu said. "They hit a lot of home runs in the first round and had four in yesterday's game. Our pitchers have to focus and minimize mistakes."

Korea will be a massive underdog, but Ryu said his players can accomplish much more than what their abilities may dictate.

"I have said with confidence that I've not been on a national team with better vibes than this one," said Ryu, who has been a coach on past WBC squads. "The Dominican Republic is a strong team, but I think we can take care of business, given our team morale right now."

Yonhap