The Group C opener between Korea and the Czech Republic at Tokyo Dome in Japan on the afternoon of the 5th. With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the first, Moon Bo-gyeong hits a home run and celebrates. /Courtesy of News1

The Korea national baseball team won its first-round game at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

Korea, led by Manager Ryu Ji-hyun, beat Czech Republic 11-4 in the Group C opener of the 2026 WBC at Tokyo Dome in Japan on the 5th.

It was Korea's first win in a WBC opener in 17 years since 2009.

Korea won behind a first-inning grand slam by Moon Bo-kyung (LG Twins) and back-to-back home runs by Korean American Shay Whitcomb of the Houston Astros, overcoming a three-run shot by Teryn Vavra for Czech Republic.

Starter So Hyeong-jun (KT Wiz) allowed four hits over three innings but did not give up a run.

Korea plays host Japan in the second game at the same venue at 7 p.m. on the 7th.

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