CHINA – Hyun-Jin Ryu scattered five hits in a complete-game gem and Keun-Woo Jong’s solo shot in the third proved to be the difference as South Korea remained unbeaten at the Beijing Games with a 1-0 victory over Canada on Friday night at the Wukesong Baseball Complex.

Ryu, the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player two years ago, kept the Canadians off-balanced with a steady mixture of curveballs, sliders and fastballs. Canada entered the game with four home runs in their first two outings but managed just five singles against the Korean junkball specialist.

Former Montral Expos hurler Mike Johnson threw six strong innings for Canada and teamed with two relievers to limit South Korea to just three hits. However, fourth-year second baseman Keun-Woo Jong tagged Johnson for a solo drive in the third for the lone run of the game.

Canada was led offensively by their U.S.-based minor leaguers who collected all five of the Canadian hits against Ryu. Emmanuel Garcia (Mets), Michael Saunders (Mariners), Chris Robinson (Cubs), Nick Weglarz (Indians) and Matt Rogelstad (Nationals) each had a hit apiece while Milwaukee Brewers top pick Brett Lawrie went 0-for-4.

South Korea remained perfect with a 2-0 mark after toppling Team USA in their opening contest. The Koreans will be tested against the Japanese today before completing a rain-shortened game against China on Sunday.

Canada dropped to 1-2 and will next face another struggling squad, the Americans, in a crucial matchup as both teams look to sneak into the medal round. Team USA lost a 5-4 extra-innings heartbreaker to Cuba on Friday and also sports a 1-2 card.

In other action on Friday, China upset Taiwan 8-7 in 12 innings and Japan blanked the Dutch 6-0.

Tags: Canada, South Korea