The 2024 KBO Rookie Draft is just nine days away. Hwang Jun-seo, the No. 1 overall pick, rebounded from international concerns to prove why he is the No. 1 pick. It was a dazzling performance that eased the worries of No. 1 Hanwha.

Hwang, who is pitching for the Korean National Team at the 31st World Youth Baseball Championship in Taiwan, started against Mexico in the fourth game of the preliminary round and pitched a one-hit, six-hit shutout to lead Korea to a thrilling 2-1 victory.메이저놀이터

Entering the game two batters into the second inning after a leadoff walk, Hwang shut down the Mexican bats, allowing just one hit and striking out six over 5⅓ innings. Thanks to Hwang’s stellar performance, South Korea secured a 2-1 victory and a spot in the Super Round.

Hwang Jun-seo started the first game of the preliminary round against home team Chinese Taipei at the same venue on Feb. 2 and took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings. South Korea lost the game 6-1, which was a concern.

The slump didn’t last long. He erased the concerns with an impressive performance in his next game, setting the stage for his Super Round performance.

Jeon Mir on the mound against Mexico on May 5. Source=World Baseball Softball Confederation website

The team celebrates after securing a spot in the Super Round with a win over Mexico.
Mexico struck first.

In the top of the second inning, No. 6 Rodriguez led off with a single to right and stole second.

Two batters later, No. 8 Casillas reached on an infield error, allowing the runner to score from third. 0-1.

While Hwang kept the Mexican bats in check, the Koreans rallied late.

In the bottom of the fifth, No. 6 Cho Hyun-min singled to right, Lee Yul-ye reached on a fielder’s choice, and Cho Hyun-min stole third, putting runners on first and third. No. 9 Yeon Jun-won tied the game at 1-1 with a single to left.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Yeo Dong-gun was hit by a pitch and Lee Seung-min singled to right to put runners on first and third with Minden at first and Cho Hyun-min at second on a squeeze bunt to make it 2-1.

Source=World Baseball Softball Federation website
With the win over Mexico, Korea improved to 3-1 in qualifying and secured a spot in the Super Round.

On Saturday, they will play their final preliminary round game against Puerto Rico, which was postponed due to rain, before traveling to Taipei for the main event.