Awesome Koreans play like Major Leaguers, reach final

LOS ANGELES – South Korea’s finest players showed they have the talent to humble US Major League Baseball superstars, overwhelming Venezuela, 10-2, on Saturday to reach the final of the World Baseball Classic.

The reigning Olympic champions booked a berth in Monday’s final at Dodger Stadium against the winner of Sunday’s semifinal between defending Classic champion Japan, South Korea’s arch rivals, and the United States.

Choo Shin Soo, South Korea’s only major leaguer, and Kim Tae Kyun each blasted home runs while 22-year-old right-handed pitcher Yoon Suk Min baffled a South American major league all-star squad that led the Classic in hitting.

“This was an unforgettable game,” Choo said.

“In terms of skill level, I think there is no difference between Koreans and major leaguers. I’ve learned a lot from all the Korean players. I hope Koreans will advance to the major leagues in great numbers in the future.

“There’s a major difference in style. Major leaguers are always aggressive. Korea is more patient in batting. We have better fundemental skills in terms of meticulousness and how we follow up with each other.”

The Koreans, ousted in a semifinal by Japan in the inaugural 2006 Classic, can secure their global supremacy in the only tournament featuring US stars, a key for bragging rights with the sport now off the Olympic calendar.

“I had better be impressed,” Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said. “It’s a remarkable performance to say the least.”

Choo, who plays for the Cleveland Indians, smashed a three-run blow in a five-run first inning while Kim added a two-run homer, his third round-tripper of the tournament, in the second.

“This was very painful,” Venezuelan manager Luis Sojo said. “In the first inning the Koreans showed they were here to win. They got a five-run lead and that was basically the game.”

Both homers came off Venezuelan starter Carlos Silva, a Seattle Mariners right-hander who surrendered seven runs on six hits in only 1 1/3 innings.

“Choo knew about the pitcher and told us about him,” Kim said. “We were able to anticipate the pitches. I knew a lot of sinkers would be thrown and that was helpful.”

Yoon, an Olympic hero who led the Korean league with a 2.33 earned-run average last year, scattered seven hits and struck out four in 6 1/3 innings while four Korean relief pitchers blanked Venezuela the rest of the way.

“I felt great. I was proud and confident,” Yoon said. “I was not nervous. They were major league batters but I didn’t know who they were so I wasn’t nervous.”

Eight of nine Korean starters reached base in the first two innings off the Venezuelan major league “Dream Team”, sending a clear message that South Korea’s lack of major leaguers does not mean they lack world-class talent. (AP)