KOREANS REACH SEMIS DESPITE LOSS TO JAPAN

Although Thursday’s loss to Japan included uncharacteristic defensive miscues, South Korea scored a pair of important Pool 1 victories along the way to ensure their berth in the semifinals.


The Koreans opened pool play with an 8-2 win over Mexico last Sunday as Kim Tae-kyun drove in three runs on two hits, including a solo homer, and five relievers held Mexico scoreless from the third inning on. South Korea clinched their spot in the WBC’s final four with a solid 4-1 win over Japan two nights later Starter Bong Jung-keun turned in another solid performance, allowing just one run on three hits over 5.1 innings. The Koreans were scheduled to play Pool 2 champions Venezuela Saturday in Los Angeles.