Czech Republic stages late comeback over China for 1st-ever win

• Published date: 10 March 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

Martin Muzik smacked a go-ahead three-run homer in the decisive ninth inning, as the Czech Republic rallied past China 8-5 for its first-ever win of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) on Friday.

The Czechs, a team made up mostly of amateurs, had blown a 3-0 lead and trailed 5-4 entering the top of the ninth. But after a walk and a double put two men aboard, Muzik turned on the first pitch from China-born Korean reliever Ju Kwon for a towering three-run bomb.

Two batters later, Filip Smola's single made it an 8-5 game for the Czech Republic. Reliever Marek Minarik pitched the final 2 2/3 innings in the victory.

Every team in Pool B has now played. On Thursday, South Korea lost to Australia 8-7, and Japan defeated China 8-1.

Korea will play Friday's nightcap against Japan at Tokyo Dome.

The Czech Republic scored twice in the first inning, off a fielding error and a sacrifice fly. Then Matej Mensik belted a solo home run in the top of the third for a 3-0 Czech lead.

China was held hitless by Czech starter Daniel Padysak through...