Wyverns demolish Tianjin

In the early game Friday, South Korea's SK Wyverns smashed China's Tianjin Lions 15-0 to improve to 2-0.

The South Korean champs, 4-3 winners over Seibu on Wednesday, forced four Tianjin pitchers to struggle through seven innings, when the game was ended by the 10- run mercy rule.

The Lions had a chance to take the early lead with a runner on third with two outs in the first inning, but starting pitcher Song Eun Beom got out of trouble.

"I was annoyed with myself for allowing a leadoff hit, so I cleared my mind and bore down," said Song, who left after four innings despite throwing just 42 pitches and surrendering just two singles.

The Wyverns can clinch a spot in the finals tonight with a win over Uni-President.

"I wanted to hold a few of my pitchers in reserve today, and I accomplished that," said Wyverns skipper Kim Sung Kun. "We have rested arms for tomorrow's game and will also plan ahead for the final.

"The Taiwan pitchers rely a lot on breaking balls, so we'll be ready for that."