Seoul: In a closely contested exhibition baseball game, South Korea secured a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Seoul. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun expressed optimism following the match, particularly noting the impressive performance of the team's bullpen.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean relief pitchers delivered a strong showing, with starter Gwak Been setting the tone by throwing two shutout innings and striking out four batters. This was followed by six relievers who collectively completed seven scoreless innings, striking out 13 more batters. The young bullpen, consisting of Kim Keon-woo, Choi Jun-yong, Lee Ho-sung, Lee Ro-un, Kim Taek-yeon, and Jo Byeong-hyeon, all born after 2000, played a crucial role in maintaining the shutout. Kim Taek-yeon was particularly noteworthy, being named Player of the Game after striking out the side in the eighth inning with fastballs reaching 152 kilometers per hour.

Despite the strong pitching, Ryu pointed out the need for improved offensive performance. South Korea's offense managed to score in the first and second innings but failed to register a hit from the fourth to the seventh inning. A crucial two-out double by Lee Jae-won in the eighth inning brought the score to 3-0. Ryu attributed the lackluster offensive display to the players' rustiness, as many had not played since the end of their Korea Baseball Organization season.

Czech Republic manager Pavel Chadim acknowledged the challenge of overcoming a month-long hiatus after the European championship and commended the South Korean pitchers for their performance. Chadim also praised the strategic management of the South Korean team, noting the effective hitting in the early innings as a testament to good coaching.