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S. Korea takes bronze at Asian Games baseball
(AP)
Updated: 2006-12-07 09:59

Designated hitter Lee Byung-kyu had a solo homer and knocked in four runs Wednesday to lead defending champion South Korea to a 12-2 win over China and the bronze medal in Asian Games baseball.

Ryu Hyun-jim pitched the first four innings for South Korea, allowing two runs on three hits. One of those was Chinese catcher Wang Wei's long two-run homer in the fourth.

Both teams entered the game with 2-2 records in the six-team tournament. Japan and Taiwan, each with 4-0 records, play Thursday for the gold medal.

South Korean first baseman Jang Sung-ho said the team was happy with the bronze medal.

"Of course, I'm satisfied with the match because we beat China," said Jang. "China's baseball team has developed, but is not sophisticated."

Earlier Wednesday, Thailand beat winless Philippines 8-1. Thailand finished the series at 1-4 and the Philippines finished bottom of the standings at 0-5.