The 2026 World Baseball Classic kicked off with two decisive wins in Pool C at the Tokyo Dome. Australia defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 behind home runs from Robbie Perkins and Travis Bazzana, while Korea routed Czechia 11-4 with four home runs, including two from Shay Whitcomb. These results set the tone for the tournament's pool play stage.
The sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic began on March 5, 2026, at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, marking the start of pool play for 20 nations. In the opening game, Australia secured a 3-0 shutout victory over Chinese Taipei, powered by a two-run homer from Robbie Perkins in the third inning—the first home run of the tournament—and a solo shot by Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, in the sixth. Australia's pitching staff, led by starter Alex Wells who struck out five over three innings, combined for a three-man no-hitter through much of the game, though Yu Chang broke it up with a single in the fourth. Chinese Taipei mounted a late threat in the ninth, loading the bases, but could not score.
Following that, Korea dominated Czechia 11-4 in the second Pool C matchup. Korea's offense exploded with four home runs, starting with a first-inning grand slam by Bo Gyeong Moon and including two from Houston Astros infielder Shay Whitcomb, one of three Korean-American players on the roster. Czechia, making their second WBC appearance after a strong showing in 2023, struggled against Korea's pitching led by Hyeong Jun So.
Pool C action continues with Australia facing Czechia on March 6 at 10 p.m. ET. The tournament features games in Tokyo, San Juan, Miami, and Houston through March 11, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final on March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami. Japan enters as defending champions after their 3-2 win over Team USA in the 2023 final. Separately, Dominican Republic shortstop Jeremy Peña will miss the tournament due to a fractured finger sustained in an exhibition game on March 5 against the Detroit Tigers; Geraldo Perdomo is expected to replace him at shortstop.
