TOKYO—South Korea defeated Czechia 11-4 in its Pool C opener at the World Baseball Classic on Thursday at Tokyo Dome. Moon Bo-gyeong's first-inning grand slam led four home runs that powered the victory, while starter So Hyeong-jun delivered three scoreless innings. Yet the bullpen's uneven performance highlighted potential challenges against tougher foes ahead.
South Korea seized control early in its World Baseball Classic opener against Czechia at Tokyo Dome. Moon Bo-gyeong's first-inning grand slam gave a 4-0 lead, followed by Jahmai Jones's solo home run and Shay Whitcomb's solo shot to push it to 6-0. Whitcomb added a two-run homer in the fifth to make it 8-3.
Starter So Hyeong-jun threw three scoreless innings on 42 pitches, scattering four hits, but Czechia hitters surprised him with their attacks on his signature two-seam fastball. "I had to really focus on how to get after those hitters in different situations," So said. "At least we got the win here and I am glad we will be able to build on this positive momentum."
The bullpen showed inconsistency: Noh Kyung-eun, 41, pitched a scoreless fourth, but Jeong Woo-joo hit Max Prejda with his first pitch in the fifth and then allowed a three-run homer to Terrin Vavra, cutting the lead to 6-3. Park Yeong-hyun, Jo Byeong-hyeon, and Kim Young-kyu each threw scoreless frames, though with reduced velocity. In the ninth, You Yeong-chan walked the leadoff batter, gave up a single, and allowed a sacrifice fly for Czechia's fourth run.
The win marked South Korea's first opening victory since 2009, avoiding an early stumble that had led to knockouts in prior tournaments. Moon's grand slam was Korea's fourth in WBC history, surpassing the United States and Cuba for the lead. The four homers tied Korea's single-game WBC record. Hits were close at 10-9 for South Korea. Czechia manager Pavel Chadim said, "I'm happy for hitters. It's a great feeling to play... I am happy that we played competitive baseball."
Whitcomb, representing South Korea through his Korean mother in the stands, said, "It means everything to wear the jersey... such a blessing." Manager Ryu Ji-hyun noted, "Our offense is in a groove and we will try to be prepared for the game." South Korea faces defending champion Japan on Saturday.
