Pitcher Park Chan-ho will start in Wednesday's game against Japan in the World Baseball Classic in California.

South Korea Manager Kim In-shik announced Park as the starter after Japan beat Mexico 6-1 Wednesday, saying the San Diego Padre will probably throw through the fourth or fifth inning.

Though his team has won two straight, Kim said the Wednesday game could prove to be the most important of the tournament.

Samsung Lions reliever Oh Seung-hwan, who retired the final batter in the team's 7-3 victory over the United States Tuesday, is expected to play against Japan.

Kim also said his team must beat Japan Wednesday to guarantee a semifinal berth, though a loss by six runs or less will still result in an advance.