Data Stadium, a Japanese sports data specialist, released its best members for Pool C of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) preliminary round.
Data Stadium, which selected three pitchers and nine position players, said, "Best nines are typically chosen from players on teams that advanced to the semifinals or beyond, but this time we selected as the best nine those players from teams placed in Pool C who showed impressive performances against Japan." Among Korean players, pitcher Noh Kyung-eun and first baseman Moon Bo-gyeong were named.
Noh Kyung-eun appeared on the mound three times, pitching 3⅓ innings without allowing a run. Data Stadium praised Noh Kyung-eun, saying, "He appeared in three of the four first-round games, recording a total of 3⅓ scoreless innings. The Korean veteran, who turned 42 during the tournament, delivered his best performances."
It also noted, "In the quarterfinal-clinching game against Australia, starter Son Ju-yeong complained of elbow discomfort during warm-up pitching in the second inning and was urgently removed. Rushing to the mound, he shut down two scoreless innings and rescued the team from crisis."
Moon Bo-gyeong led the Korean lineup, hitting .538 (7-for-13) with two home runs, 11 RBIs, three runs and an OPS of 1.779 in four games. It would not be an exaggeration to say Moon Bo-gyeong led manager Ryu Ji-hyeon's team to the quarterfinals.
Data Stadium reported, "In the first game against the Czech Republic, Moon Bo-gyeong hit a grand slam in the first inning and recorded five RBIs. He also recorded hits in the games against Japan and Taiwan, and he again starred in the must-win game against Australia to advance from the first round."
It added, "After the two-run homer that gave them the lead, he produced two more RBIs to lead Korea to its first advancement from the first round in four tournaments." In particular, it praised Moon Bo-gyeong's clutch ability, noting, "He showed outstanding focus with five hits in six at-bats with runners in scoring position and totaled 11 RBIs in four games."
Meanwhile, the best players by position were selected as follows: pitchers Noh Kyung-eun, Hsu Jou-shih (Taiwan) and Taneichi Atsuki (Japan); catcher Wakatuki Kenya (Japan); first baseman Moon Bo-gyeong; second baseman Cheng Chung-che (Taiwan); third baseman Curtis Mead (Australia); shortstop Genda Sosuke (Japan); outfielders Yoshida Masataka and Suzuki Seiya (both Japan), and Stuart Fairchild (Taiwan); and designated hitter Ohtani Shohei (Japan).
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