World Baseball Classic 2026: Pool Play Day No. 2 thread
Ah, there is nothing quite like a cold Spotted Cow on a crisp Wisconsin morning as I settle into my recliner and fire up the World Baseball Classic action. As a veteran of over two decades calling games across this great country, I can tell you that baseball never gets old—especially when it’s played with the kind of passion we see at the WBC.
Before we dive in, let me just say that I’ve been doing my best to follow along with all of these games. My sons Michael-Vincent and Blake have been keeping me company as we watch, their eyes glued to the TV as they dream of one day playing on this stage themselves. It’s moments like these that remind you why baseball is more than just a game—it’s a tradition, a way of life passed down from generation to generation.
And speaking of tradition, let’s talk about what went down yesterday between Australia and Chinese Taipei. You know, sometimes the best lessons come in unexpected places, and there were plenty to learn from that one. I watched as Robbie Perkins and Travis Bazzana both launched home runs to help propel Australia to a shutout victory. The kind of performance that reminds you why we call baseball “the beautiful game.”
On the other side, Chinese Taipei had to swallow a tough loss after their team captain Chen Chieh-hsien suffered a finger fracture when he was hit by a pitch. As I sat there, sipping my Spotted Cow, I couldn’t help but think about how much that must have hurt—not just physically, but emotionally too. It’s moments like these that remind you of the sacrifices players make for their teams and countries.
Today we’ve got two games to keep an eye on, starting with Australia at Czechia over in Tokyo. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my years as a referee, it’s that momentum can be everything in this game. And right now, Australia has all of it after that big win yesterday.
They’re sending LHP Josh Hendrickson to the mound today. A guy who knows how to keep hitters off balance with his fastball and changeup combo—a true craftsman on the bump. Meanwhile, Czechia is going with RHP Tomáš Ondra as they look to bounce back from a tough loss against Korea.
As I sat there in my living room last night, watching that game, I saw something that really stuck out: Czechia’s pitching staff gave up four home runs—two by Shay Whitcomb alone. That kind of performance is unacceptable at this level. It’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder if they’re clocking out before the tournament even gets going.
But hey, that’s why they play the games, right? We’ll see if they can turn things around today against Australia. If there’s one thing I know about baseball, it’s that anything can happen once the first pitch is thrown.
Later on, we’ve got Japan taking on Chinese Taipei at 3:00 AM MDT tomorrow morning. Now, let me tell you something—if there was ever a game to set your alarm for, this is it.
Japan is coming off an undefeated run in 2023, and they’re loaded with talent again this year. Shohei Ohtani needs no introduction—he’s the kind of player who makes you stop whatever you’re doing just to watch him play. And he’s not alone; there are plenty of other big names on that roster too.
On the mound today will be RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto—a guy I’ve been hearing a lot about lately. From what I understand, he’s got some serious stuff. A fastball that can touch triple digits and off-speed pitches that keep hitters guessing. If he brings his A-game tonight, Chinese Taipei is going to have their hands full.
But let’s not sleep on those guys either. They’re coming in with something to prove after last night’s loss. And who knows? Maybe they’ll catch Japan sleeping early on before they kick it into high gear.
As for me, I’ll be tuned in from my recliner, Spotted Cow in hand as I take in every pitch of this WBC action. It doesn’t matter if it’s 3:00 AM—I love the game that much. And besides, there’s something special about watching these players give everything they have when the stakes are highest.
That’s what baseball is all about for me—the passion, the drama, and yes, even the pain of a tough loss. It reminds you why we keep coming back to this great game day after day, season after season.
So grab your favorite beverage—maybe head down to Kwik Trip or Culver’s if you need to restock—and settle in for what promises to be another exciting night of World Baseball Classic action. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Until next time, this is The Ry-Guy signing off from Mukwonago, WI.
One-Ry Out.