Box score
SEOUL, Republic of Korea – World No. 41 Israel topped No. 3 Korea 2-1 in extra innings to kick off the fourth edition of the World Baseball Classic in electric fashion.
Tied 1-1 in the top of the 10 inning, Scott Burcham (Colorado Rockies A – MLB) hit an RBI single that knocked in Mike Meyers (Boston Red Sox A – MLB) to score the decisive run for Israel and silence the capacity crowd at the 17,000-seat Gocheok Sky Dome.
Fans took to Twitter to react to the European representative’s win over one of Asia’s powerhouses, making Israel Baseball’s debut on the world stage a trending topic.
Current free agent Josh Zeid (3 IP, 1 H, 4 SO) earned the win with three near-perfect innings to close the game.
Israel was first to get on the scoreboard when Tyler Krieger (Cleveland Indians A – MLB) walked with the bases loaded in the top of the 2nd inning, which scored Nate Freiman.
Korea tied the game in the bottom of the 5th inning, when second baseman Seo Geogn-chang (Nexen Heroes – KBO) hit an RBI single to score Hur Kyoung-min (Doosan Bears – KBO).
Looking to score in the top of the 8th inning, Israel loaded the bases again, but Korea relief pitchers Lim Chang-min (NC Dinos – KBO) and Oh Seung-hwan (St. Louis Cardinals – MLB) put out the fire.
Korea relief pitcher Lim Chang-yong (Kia Tigers – KBO) was tagged with the loss.
Israel will face No. 4 Chinese Taipei on Tuesday, while Korea will look to rebound against No. 9 Netherlands.
