Korea defeated Czechia 11-4 in the World Baseball Classic, opening its campaign with a strong offensive performance.
The team has its sights set on advancing to Miami for the quarterfinals.
Whitcomb’s Two Home Runs
Shay Whitcomb of the Astros made his World Baseball Classic debut for Korea, hitting two home runs. He said it meant everything to wear the jersey and represent his mom.
Whitcomb added that it was one of the greatest honours for him and such a blessing. His performance may bolster his chances of securing a big league job.
Korea’s Offensive Power
Bo Gyeong Moon started the scoring with a grand slam after Czech starter Daniel Padýšak struggled with his control, issuing a hit and two walks. Moon said his parents were happy and expected him to go all-out.
Tigers outfielder Jahmai Jones added a solo shot in the eighth inning, capping off Korea’s scoring. Korea manager Ji-Hyun Ryu wants the offence to keep swinging very hard.
Whitcomb lauded the team’s hitting ability, saying, “The players that we have are amazing. I mean, we can all hit. Our lineup is just insane. It’s going to be a fun, fun tournament for us.”
Czechia’s Fight
Despite the final score, Czechia battled fiercely, a defining characteristic of this team of mostly amateurs. Trailing 6-0 in the fifth inning, Czechia put runners on the corners after Max Prejda was hit by a pitch and Martin Červinka singled to left field. That brought up former Orioles utility man Terrin Vavra.
Vavra hit his first home run inside the Tokyo Dome, cutting the score to 6-3. College pitcher Michal Kovala surrendered two runs in two innings of work.
Jan Novak also threw one scoreless inning.
Korea celebrated every home run by pantomiming airplane wings as it rounded the bases and lifting an inflatable, golden “M” to stand for Miami as players returned to the dugout.
Korea is aiming to be on the flight to Miami for the quarterfinals when the week is over.