WATCH LIVE: Czech Republic vs. China on Tubi
The World Baseball Classic continues because the Czech Republic takes on China in a Pool B battle on the Tokyo Dome in Japan.
China is coming off an opening-game loss in opposition to Japan, whereas the Czech Republic shall be taking part in its first sport of the event. China has competed in every of the earlier 4 World Baseball Classics, although it has by no means superior past the opening spherical. As for the Czech Republic, this marks the primary time the nation has certified for the Classic.
Here’s what it’s essential know concerning the matchup:
How you’ll be able to watch: The sport between the Czech Republic and China airs on Tubi. Games can be found on FOX, FS1, FS2, Tubi or FOX Deportes, and each sport could be streamed on-line within the FOX Sports App. For worldwide viewing choices, click on right here.
How you’ll be able to pay attention: Live audio protection of all video games shall be carried on SiriusXM, TuneIn, MLB.com and within the MLB App.
What’s at stake: The 20 groups have been positioned in 4 swimming pools of 5 groups for the primary spherical of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, with every group taking part in the others in its pool as soon as every and the groups with the 2 greatest information in every pool on the finish of this spherical advancing to the knockout stage. The Czech Republic is the final of the 5 groups in Pool B to start play, with Japan and Australia every beginning 1-0, whereas China and Korea sit at 0-1.
Matchup historical past: This is the primary World Baseball Classic matchup between China and the Czech Republic.
Michal Kovala, RHP, Czech Republic: Kovala is the top-ranked European prospect — and he confirmed precisely why whereas taking part in a key position in serving to the Czech group qualify for its first World Baseball Classic. Though he is solely 19 years outdated, Kovala has a robust proper arm out of the bullpen, and he has already confirmed he will not be fazed pitching in pressure-packed conditions.
Pei Liang, OF, China: The 24-year-old Liang crushed a house run within the loss in opposition to Japan, accounting for China’s solely run in its opener. The solo shot pulled China to inside two runs within the sixth inning, although 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 round.
