"AFC Champions League" faces Taiwan in a last-ditch battle, South Korea's lineup is reshuffled!

South Korea team. (File photo, Associated Press)

[Reporter Ni Wanjun/Comprehensive Report] The 2026 Asian Professional Baseball Championship will feature a battle between Taiwan and South Korea tonight. As the Japanese team defeated Australia 16:1 at the midday, the South Korean team still has hope of advancing to the finals even if it loses two consecutive games. Faced with a crucial battle that must be won, South Korea has significantly adjusted its starting lineup against Taiwan, pulling Kim Ji-chan, who served as the ninth batman in the previous game, as the pioneer, while Kim Joo-won switched to three bats.

The South Korean team lost to Australia 7:8 in the first two games, and then lost to Japan 5:9. Originally, the promotion situation was not optimistic, but with Japan's victory over Australia, tonight's battle between Taiwan and South Korea also created a situation where the winner will advance to the finals.

Korean media MHN Sports pointed out that the South Korean team no longer maintains the original batting order, but rearranges it based on the players' offensive status and characteristics. Jin Zhizan has maintained a good touch in the playoffs, and has a speed advantage. As long as he can get on base, he can put pressure on Taiwan's pitching and catching partners, and is also expected to create more attack opportunities for second baseball player Jin Daoyong.

Another important adjustment is to allow Kim Joo-yuan, who originally served as the first batsman and shoots left and right, to play the third battalion, behind Jin Paoyong. In addition to being able to cope with the Taiwanese team's pitching schedule, he also hopes that the opponent will not dare to dodge Kim Paoyong easily. As for Han Dongxi and Jin Huizhi, who are in better batting condition this year, they will continue to serve as the 4th and 5th batsmen.

The South Korean team will start Lee Ro-Woon tonight. He has played 50 games this season, with 8 wins and 4 losses, 7 successful relays, and an ERA of 5.61. South Korea has reached the finals of the past two AFC Champions League games, but was defeated by Japan. This year, it hopes to get through Taiwan first and challenge for the first championship in team history.

South Korea vs. Taiwan starting sequence:

1. Kim Ji-chan (center fielder)

2. Kim Daoyong (third baseman)

3. Kim Joo-won (shortstop)

4. Han Dongxi (first baseman)

5. Jin Huizhi (second baseman)

6. Ahn Hyun-min (right fielder)

7. Ahn Jae Suk (Designated Strike)

8. Zhao Xingyu (catcher)

9. Park Jae-hyun (left fielder)