Superb pitching paces Korea's 14-1 win over Czechia

Starter Kiho Park and relievers Geonwoo Park, Sanghyeon Lim and Daehyun Cho struck out 10, allowing only four hits and one walk. Korea defeated Czechia, 14-1, to gain their first win in the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup. The game was delayed two hours due to a late afternoon shower.

Both sides were eager to seek the first win, and Korea loaded the bases early in the game, taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the first.

In the top of the third, Hyunmin Cho hit a single to second base, driving Tongkeon Yeo to earn a run, extending the lead to 3-0. Czechia turned to their reliever Filip Kollmann.

Chongheon Lee’s sacrifice fly started Korea’s rally in the top of the fourth. The at-bat ended with a 6-0 lead.

In the top of the fifth, Junwon Yeon doubled to left field, sending Yulye Lee back home and adding another run to the scoreboard. Right after, Korea loaded the bases and earned one more run on walks, extending the lead to 8-0.

Korea presented their whole line-up at bat and started a rally in the top of the seventh with Jihwan Park’s single to left field and loaded the bases twice, adding six more runs on the scoreboard, 14-0.

In the bottom of the seventh, Czechia earned their first run of the game with Pavel Jozek’s single through the right side, sending Michal Sindelka back home and ending the game 14-1.

World No. 5 Korea will face No. 9 Australia on Monday, while No. 16 Czechia will play No. 4 Chinese Taipei.