UNBELIEVABLE
What a close game, what great drama, and what a great story. Team Korea had defeated it's nemisis Japan for the second time in this tournament, both times on 8th inning rallies. Korea is still undefeated in WBC play. Their ERA is just over 1. They play great defense, the are disciplened and patient at the plate, and they execute every play.
The crowd is waving flags, chanting, chearing, and Korean flag has been planted on Angel Stadium pitchers mound. The energy and excitement of the fans are pouring through my radio.
This win has great implications for baseball. Korea has always been the little brother to Japan in Asian baseball. No matter what happens the rest of the tournament, they have now proven that they can play with anyone. In Asia, where nationalism is still an important part of regional politics, this win will likely somehow ripple through geopolitics, and I hope it will mean the continued growth of the game in the region. My bet is that Korea's performance in this tournament inspires China and Taiwan to continue building their program.
It goes without saying that this game also gives the U.S. a second shot at redemtion, after getting it handed to them by this same Korean team. There is clearly some irony to this, and I think the U.S. is going to come out hot with Clemens on the mound tomorrow. I'm hoping that the U.S. and Korea meet again soon, and that this time Dontrelle Williams either brings his A game or is on the bench.
I know most American's haven't followed this tournament closely, but it has been amazing. The atmosphere and energy surrounding these games (except for maybe the poorly attended U.S. games) has rivaled any play-off game. If you don't think so, then you haven't watched the games.
So far, the WBC has met and exceded my expectations, and I have to think that Major League Baseball is fired-up as well.