Chinese Taipei defeats Czech Republic 14-0 in Classic, securing first win and keeping advancement hopes alive.

In the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Chinese Taipei lost 13-0 to Japan yesterday, marking an embarrassing record. Today, against Czech Republic, the team staged a strong comeback. With Stuart Fairchild's grand slam, they achieved a 14-0 shutout in seven innings, securing their first win in this tournament. This game not only set the team's highest single-game score in Classic history but also marked their first shutout and first early-game conclusion.

Chinese Taipei's previous highest single-game score in the Classic was a 12-3 win over Australia in the inaugural 2006 tournament. Over the past five tournaments, Chinese Taipei had never shut out an opponent or ended a game early.

Yesterday, Chinese Taipei lost 13-0 to Japan, conceding 10 runs in the second inning, setting a record for the most runs allowed in a single inning in Classic history. This was the team's third early-game loss and second shutout loss ending early.

Today against Czech Republic, Chinese Taipei launched an offensive in the first inning. Zheng Zongzhe successfully reached base with a bunt. After Song Shengrui struck out, Stuart Fairchild again attempted a bunt, causing a pitcher's error and allowing him to reach base on an infield hit. When Zheng Zongzhe stole a base, a catcher's error in throwing to third base allowed him to dash home, scoring Chinese Taipei's first run in this tournament and ending the team's 16-inning scoreless streak. Zhang Yucheng added a left-field hit, contributing one RBI, putting Chinese Taipei ahead 2-0.

In the second inning, after two outs, Chen Chenwei hit a single and stole second base. Zheng Zongzhe walked, and with a catcher's passed ball, Chinese Taipei occupied second and third bases. Song Shengrui walked, loading the bases. Stuart Fairchild then blasted a grand slam to left field, instantly expanding Chinese Taipei's lead to 6-0.

In the fourth inning, Chinese Taipei added two more runs, and in the fifth inning, they scored another run. In the sixth inning, after Stuart Fairchild walked and stole a base (the team's eighth steal and his third steal), Zhang Yucheng hit a single, completing his three-hit performance. Chinese Taipei extended the lead to 10-0. With bases loaded, Jiang Kunyu walked, forcing in the 11th run. Chen Chenwei drove a deep hit to right field, contributing two RBIs, advancing the lead to 13 runs. Zheng Zongzhe grounded out, adding one more run. The inning totaled five runs, finalizing the score at 14-0.