Astros Utilityman Shines with Two Home Runs for Korea in WBC Houston Astros infielder Shay Whitcomb made a strong statement in his debut with the South Korean national team during the World Baseball Classic, hitting two home runs in Korea’s opening game against Czechia on March 5. The victory, a 11-4 win in Tokyo, marked a breakthrough for the 27-year-old, who has struggled to establish himself in the majors. Whitcomb, whose mother is Korean, connected for a solo home run in the third inning to give Korea a 6-1 lead. He followed up with a two-run blast in the fifth, extending the team’s advantage to 8-1. The performance came just days after he homered in Korea’s exhibition game against the Orix Buffaloes, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-stakes situations. Despite limited opportunities in the majors—just 79 plate appearances over the past two seasons with a .178 batting average and one career home run—Whitcomb’s impact in the WBC has been immediate. He joins fellow Korean-American major leaguers Jahmai Jones and Dane Dunning in representing their heritage on the global stage. Jones added a home run in the same game, further solidifying Korea’s dominance over Czechia. The World Baseball Classic kicked off on Sunday with Australia defeating Taiwan 3-0 at the Tokyo Dome. Pool play continues through March 11, with the championship game set for March 17 in Miami.#world_baseball_classic #jahmai_jones #south_korea #shay_whitcomb #korea_czechia_game
Korea's Dominant Performance in World Baseball Classic Opener Korea entered the Tokyo Dome for the World Baseball Classic with a singular objective: secure a spot on the flight to Miami for the quarterfinals. The team’s celebration of every home run involved pantomiming airplane wings as players rounded the bases, a playful nod to their goal of reaching the next round. Their efforts paid off in a decisive 11-4 victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday night. The game began with a strong showing from Korea’s offense. Czech starter Daniel Padýšak struggled with control, walking two batters and surrendering a hit before Bo Gyeong Moon launched a grand slam in the first inning. The four-run swing gave Korea an early 4-0 lead, a cushion they never relinquished. Moon, making his debut in the WBC, described the moment as a culmination of his family’s expectations. “My parents were so happy,” he said. “They told me to go all-out, and the result was something I deserved.” Moon’s grand slam was the first of four home runs for Korea. Shay Whitcomb, a rookie with the Astros, added two long balls in his WBC debut, showcasing his power despite being away from his MLB team. “It means everything to wear the jersey and represent my mom,” Whitcomb said. “This is one of the greatest honors for me.” The Tigers’ Jahmai Jones capped the offensive explosion with a solo home run in the eighth inning, sealing Korea’s dominance. Korea’s manager, Ji-Hyun Ryu, emphasized the importance of maintaining their aggressive approach. “Our offense should keep swinging very hard,” he said. The team’s lighthearted celebration included lifting an inflatable, golden “M” to symbolize Miami as players returned to the dugout.#world_baseball_classic #jahmai_jones #korea #bo_gyeong_moon #shay_whitcomb
