Gyeongbuk High School has finished getting ready to secure their ninth Blue Dragon Flag title. Gyeongbuk High reached the finals by beating Masan Yongma High School 17–6 in the semifinals of the 81st Blue Dragon Flag National High School Baseball Championship and Weekend League King of Kings Tournament (co-organized by The Chosun Ilbo, Sports Chosun, and the Korea Baseball Softball Association) held at Seoul Mokdong Baseball Stadium on the 10th. Gyeongbuk High, which has already won eight Blue Dragon Flag championships, will tie with Gyeongnam High School (nine titles) if they win this tournament.
A passionate offensive showdown began in the early innings. In the top of the first, Eom Tae-uk, a second-year player from Gyeongbuk High, hit a 3-RBI double against the left-field wall with the bases full, giving his team a 3–0 advantage. Nevertheless, Masan Yongma High retaliated in the bottom of the first, scoring two runs through back-to-back hits by Choi Min-sang and Cha Eun-sung. In the bottom of the second, they took advantage of consecutive base hits and an opponent’s mistake to take a 5–3 lead, appearing to set up their first Blue Dragon Flag final appearance in two years since 2024.
However, Eom Tae-uk, the cleanup hitter from Gyeongbuk High, emerged as the hero. Gyeongbuk High took the lead 6–5 in the top of the third inning with a three-run rally, which included an RBI single to the center field by Pi Ji-yun. In the fourth inning, Eom hit a two-run home run against Lee Yoon-sang, the ace pitcher from Masan Yongma, increasing the lead to 8–5. Eom maintained his strong performance in the fifth inning with a two-RBI double, demonstrating his peak form at the plate. Eom finished the game with 4 hits out of 6 at-bats and drove in 7 runs.
After the game, Eom stated, “I didn’t anticipate hitting a home run, but I’m very pleased with the solid contact I made. Winning the Blue Dragon Flag this year would create new history as the most-champion team, so I really hope to win.” Eom, who usually plays as a catcher, took on the role of a designated hitter in this tournament because of minor injuries. He further mentioned, “One of my advantages is my strong arm. I believe I can demonstrate good defensive abilities similar to my idol, senior Kang Min-ho.” Head coach Lee Jun-ho of Gyeongbuk High commended, “Despite being a second-year student, he shows great potential and is expected to perform well next year, making him a top contender for the rookie draft.”
Gyeongbuk High’s pitcher Woo Ji-young, who came into the game in the fourth inning, threw four scoreless innings to maintain the lead. The team’s offense scored three runs in the seventh, including a crucial two-RBI triple by Lee Won-hyuk, and added another run in the eighth, securing a 17–6 win against the formidable Masan Yongma High. Coach Lee remarked, “Ji-young may not be the fastest pitcher, but he is a top-level pitcher with exceptional control over breaking balls such as curveballs and sliders. I expected a challenging game, but the players gave their best and advanced to the finals. We are certain to accomplish the historic achievement of becoming the most decorated team.”
Gyeongbuk High is set to compete against Sekwang High School in the championship match on the 12th, with hopes of securing their first Blue Dragon Flag title.
jasdooit 
Leave a comment