Korea vs. Dominican Republic: What Went Wrong for the Korean Baseball Team in WBC 2026?

Manager Ryu Ji-hyun / Photo: Getty Images

[Sports Today reporter Lee Sang-pil] \”As expected, we came up short against the Dominican Republic,\” Ryu said.

Ryu Ji-hyun, manager of South Korea’s national baseball team, acknowledged the one-sided loss.

South Korea fell 10-0 — a seven-inning mercy-rule defeat — to the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals on March 14 (Korean time) at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.

Korea, which reached the semifinals in the inaugural 2006 tournament and finished as runners-up in 2009, had been chasing a third trip to the final four but could not contain the Dominican offense.

Starter Hyun-jin Ryu left after 1 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs, while the Korean lineup was stifled by Dominican southpaw ace Christopher Sánchez’s dominant outing.

At the postgame news conference, Ryu said, \”We confirmed that the Dominican team assembled some of the world’s best players. We have a few players in their late 30s, but most of the roster is young. I think this experience can be an opportunity for them to take another step forward. I hope the younger players keep developing and, if given the chance, use this as a springboard to Major League Baseball. We finished the first round well and came into today’s game with expectations, but ultimately I think we still came up short against the Dominican Republic.\”

He added, \”Their pitching staff was strong, but their 1-5 hitters — a lineup of superstars — were especially imposing.\”

Ryu also thanked Hyun-jin Ryu, who took the mound as the team’s starter in what was effectively his final appearance for the national team. While the result fell short of expectations, Hyun-jin served as a model for the younger pitchers throughout the tournament.

\”I want to thank Hyun-jin. He consistently wanted to represent the national team, and his performance and attitude have been exemplary — perhaps that’s why he remained competitive as a starting pitcher at his age. It’s regrettable he couldn’t get through two innings, but as the team’s senior player he gave his all until the end, and I want to praise him for that,\” Ryu said.

He also outlined the direction he wants Korean baseball to take, emphasizing the need for improved pitching depth.

\”In the KBO League, teams typically carry three to four starting pitchers. To be competitive internationally, more pitchers need opportunities and defined roles. It’s true that our pitchers’ velocity tends to drop in international play. I hope these issues are addressed from the youth level so we can build a more competitive national team,\” Ryu said.

[Sports Today reporter Lee Sang-pil sports@stoo.com]
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