30/07/2023 1 Minute Read

Czechia earn first win in comeback effort against New Zealand

The Czechs scored first, and then New Zealand took the lead in the third. Max Major hit a pair of two-RBI doubles, and Czechia came back to win their first.

Max Major hit a couple of two RBI doubles to lead the Czech Republic to an 8-7 comeback win over New Zealand. It's their first in the VII WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup.

In the bottom of the first, Dominik Maly’s single to right center sent Robin Mika home, helping Czechia lead 1-0. Right after, Jakub Roschl hit a two-run home run, which was the first for the team in the tournament, extending the lead to 3-0.

New Zealand was not going to let the Czech Republic take all the spotlight. In the top of the second Andi Li stepped to the box with the bases loaded. He hit a three-RBI double to right center, tying the game at three.

Later in the third, New Zealand took the lead thanks to four walks. They added a run in the fourth, extending the lead to 7-3.

In the bottom of the fourth, Czechia cut the gap to 7-5 with Major’s first two RBI double down the left-field line. New Zealand played solid baseball, as they stopped a potential rally thanks to a finely-executed double play and more strong defence to end the inning.

As the rain started to get heavier, Czechia's Major doubled to right field, scoring Daniel Horak and Mika for the tie. Dominik Maly then singled to right field, driving in Major for the go-ahead run.

Reliever Hayden Wong kept New Zealand in the game, escaping a bases-loaded jam, but New Zealand wouldn't have another chance. Czech reliever Robin Mika retired the side in order in the top of the sixth to earn the win.

It was Czechia's first win in the tournament. On Day 4, they will face Korea at 14.30 local time in Tainan. Meanwhile, New Zealand and Panama will seek their first win at 11.00.