3/12 WBC: Mexico (Lopez) vs. Korea (Seo?) 10pmCT ESPN2

[Laura]

Figured I'd get this game thread going ...

 

Sounds like we'll see Hee Seop Choi in action!

 

Team Mexico Preview

 

Pitching was the strong point for Mexico during the first round, but the offense began to show signs of life in the final two games.

 

"It feels like the bats are warming up now," Cantu said. "You have to have not only defense, you have to hit the ball, too. We have confidence now in the bats, because we're feeling better and it's coming to us."

 

Mexico will need its bats plenty warm against the Koreans, who allowed a combined three runs in their three Pool A games.

 

Due largely to the 65-pitch limit imposed on starting pitchers in the first round of the World Baseball Classic, Rodrigo Lopez worked only four innings of Mexico's Pool B opener against the United States. .... This time, he'll be allowed to max out at 80 pitches, but he doesn't plan to approach this start any differently than his outing against the U.S.

 

"I don't think about how many pitches I'm throwing when I'm out on the mound," Lopez said on Saturday before Team Mexico's workout at rain-soaked Angel Stadium. "I'm just thinking about getting as deep into the game as possible."

 

Team Korea Preview

 

But to reach the semifinals in San Diego, Korea's hitters must start hitting. ...

 

Step right up, Hee-Seop Choi.

 

Coming into the Classic, the Los Angeles Dodgers' first baseman was expected to be the main man in Korea's lineup. After all, he has hit 40 home runs and driven in 120 runs during his four-year Major League career, and he's the only position player on the Korean team with Major League experience.

 

But going into Sunday night's game against Mexico at Angel Stadium, Choi has three hits -- two singles and a double -- with one RBI.

 

"I expect more out of Choi in this round," Korea manager In Sik Kim said. "I think he's getting better."

 

Korea manager In Sik Kim said he will reveal on Saturday his starter for Sunday night. Chan Ho Park may get his first start of the Classic, after making two relief appearances and getting two saves in the first round. The other likely choice would be new Dodger Jae Seo, who did not give up a run in his 3 2/3-inning outing against Chinese Taipei in the first game of The Classic. ...

 

Whoever starts, In Sik said he definitely plans on using Byung Hyun Kim against Mexico, due to his sidearm delivery and his good location. The Korean pitching staff, no matter what order it comes into the game, will have to worry about the bats of right-fielder Karim Garcia and Jorge Cantu, who are hitting .600 (3-for-5) and .385 (5-for-13), respectively in the Classic. In three games, Cantu has two home runs and six RBIs. ...

 

Despite needing his rhythm, Choi may still bat cleanup for the Koreans, In Sik said, if Mexico starts a right-handed pitcher. If Mexico starts with a southpaw, In Sik will start catcher Sung Heon Hong in the cleanup spot.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Seoung Yung Lee (sp?) hits a 2 run homer to give Korea a 2-0 lead.

[Laura]

Garcia homers to make it 2-1 Korea.

[Guest]

I must say I've been extremely impressed with the quality of Korea's pitching so far. (Of course those sound like famous last words.)

[Guest]

Korea squeaks out the 2-1 victory. It's been a good day of doing nothing but watching 10 hours of great baseball. Time for bed.