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The World Baseball Classic continues as the Czech Republic takes on China in a Pool B battle at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.
China is coming off an opening-game loss against Japan, while the Czech Republic will be playing its first game of the tournament. China has competed in each of the previous four World Baseball Classics, though it has never advanced beyond the opening round. As for the Czech Republic, this marks the first time the nation has qualified for the Classic.
Here’s what you need to know about the matchup:
How you can watch: The game between the Czech Republic and China airs on Tubi. Games are available on FOX, FS1, FS2, Tubi or FOX Deportes, and every game can be streamed online in the FOX Sports App. For international viewing options, click here.
How you can listen: Live audio coverage of all games will be carried on SiriusXM, TuneIn, MLB.com and in the MLB App.
What’s at stake: The 20 teams have been placed in four pools of five teams for the first round of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, with each team playing the others in its pool once each and the teams with the two best records in each pool at the end of this round advancing to the knockout stage. The Czech Republic is the last of the five teams in Pool B to begin play, with Japan and Australia each starting 1-0, while China and Korea sit at 0-1.
Matchup history: This is the first World Baseball Classic matchup between China and the Czech Republic.
Michal Kovala, RHP, Czech Republic: Kovala is the top-ranked European prospect — and he showed exactly why while playing a key role in helping the Czech team qualify for its first World Baseball Classic. Though he’s only 19 years old, Kovala has a powerful right arm out of the bullpen, and he has already proven he won’t be fazed pitching in pressure-packed situations.
Pei Liang, OF, China: The 24-year-old Liang crushed a home run in the loss against Japan, accounting for China’s only run in its opener. The solo shot pulled China to within two runs in the sixth inning, though Japan later pulled away for an 8-1 victory. Hitting out of the leadoff spot in that contest, Liang will look to set the tone earlier for China’s offense this time around.
