In a much-anticipated opening match for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), Korea faced the Czech Republic and secured an impressive 11-4 victory in Tokyo's Dome on April 5. This win was significant as Korea had a history of losing its first games in previous WBC tournaments, leading to early exits from the competition. Star performances from players Moon Bo-kyung, who hit a grand slam, and Shay Witcomb, who contributed back-to-back home runs, highlighted Korea's strong comeback in this inaugural game of the series.

The match also marked a pivotal moment for the Korean squad, which is aiming for a place in the quarter-finals for the first time in 17 years. The team has been struggling with a lack of right-handed power hitters, prompting coach Ryu Ji-hyun to look for talent among Korean players in Major League Baseball. Witcomb, who has a Korean mother and has made it to the national team, made a significant impact during this game despite earlier struggles in practice matches, proving to be an essential addition to the lineup.

Witcomb's performance included a powerful solo home run and a two-run homer at crucial moments, displaying his potential and crucial batting skills that could drive Korea deeper into the tournament. With this victory, Korea has laid a solid foundation as they prepare to face Japan in their next group match after a day's rest, increasing the stakes as they aim to advance further in the prestigious WBC tournament, building on this initial success against a perceived weaker opponent, the Czech Republic.