Daegu Jung-gu junior baseball team (manager Im Gi-ho) advanced to the national tournament semifinals with a thrilling come-from-behind victory fueled by persistent pursuit and concentration.
Daegu Jung-gu junior defeated Guro-gu junior 7-6 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 U-15 second-half national junior tournament held on the 25th at Hwaseong Dream Junior Field No. 1. After turning the game in the middle innings, they held onto a one-run lead until the end for a valuable win.
With this, Daegu Jung-gu junior will face Gwangmyeong junior baseball team on the 31st for a place in the final.
The contest heated up from the middle innings. Daegu Jung-gu junior, who scored first with one run in the first, fell behind 1-3 as they gave up three runs through the third. But in the fourth, the batting lineup concentrated and produced four runs, quickly turning the tide to lead 5-3.
At the center of the comeback was Seo Do-hyeon (Daegu Jung). Seo Do-hyeon bolstered the offense with an RBI single in the fourth and again delivered a two-run RBI single in the fifth, playing the role of closer to great effect. Daegu Jung-gu junior added two more runs in the fifth to take a 7-5 lead.
Guro-gu junior did not give up easily. They recovered one run in the top of the seventh to come within striking distance, but Daegu Jung-gu junior overcame the final hurdle and preserved the one-run victory.
Starting as the fifth hitter and third baseman, Seo Do-hyeon had a stellar performance with 2 hits in 3 at-bats, 3 RBIs and 1 run. After an RBI single in the fourth, he delivered the game-winning two-run RBI single in the fifth, becoming the primary contributor to the victory. Seo Do-hyeon was selected as the game’s most valuable player (MVP).
Kim Si-on (Gumi Middle School) also contributed offensively. Batting third and starting at catcher, Kim Si-on recorded 2 hits in 2 at-bats, 2 runs, 1 stolen base and 1 walk. In particular, his double in the fourth laid the groundwork for the comeback and energized the offense.
On the mound, starter Lee Ji-an (Neungin Middle School) handled the early innings, and Ji Woo-chan (Gosan Middle School) became the winning pitcher. Ji Woo-chan recorded 1 2/3 innings, 1 hit allowed, 4 walks, 2 strikeouts and 2 runs (unearned).
Defensively, the players’ fighting spirit shone. Park A-in (Daegu Physical Education High School) ran to the outfield fence to make a catch in a highlight defensive play, and the team’s youngest, Bae Ji-ho (Daegu East Middle School), also helped preserve the win with body-on-the-line plays that prevented runs.
When the final out was recorded, the players encouraged one another and shared the joy of victory. Some players had tears in their eyes. It was the moment when the sweat endured through hard training together culminated in the reward of advancing to the semifinals.
Manager Im Gi-ho could not hide his overwhelming emotions. He said, “Seeing the players’ tears, the sweat they shed and the time they endured came flooding back and a rush of mixed emotions overcame me,” and noted, “Baseball is not a sport you win by doing well alone. This is a valuable result produced by everyone doing their best in their own positions.”
Buoyed by the dramatic comeback, Daegu Jung-gu junior now looks toward the final stage. They will challenge for another victory in the semifinal against Gwangmyeong junior baseball team on the 31st.
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