The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) match between Taiwan and Japan concluded on March 6 with Taiwan’s national team suffering a 0–13 shutout loss to Japan. The game ended early in the 7th inning due to the mercy rule, marking Taiwan’s second consecutive defeat in the group stage. After the game, comments by Taiwan’s head coach Tseng Hao-ju, who took full responsibility for the loss, drew widespread attention and support on Japanese social media.
In the WBC preliminary round, Taiwan managed only three hits in its opening game and lost 0–3 to Australia. The following day they faced host nation Japan. In the top of the second inning, Shohei Ohtani blasted a grand slam, and Japan erupted for 10 runs in that inning alone—setting a new WBC record for most runs scored in a single inning. Ohtani also set a Classic record with five RBIs in one inning.
Coach Tseng Hao-ju’s postgame remarks move fans
Taiwan’s offense struggled throughout the game, with Chang Yu-cheng recording the team’s only hit. The game ended 0–13 after seven innings. Taiwan has yet to score a run in two games and now sits at 0–2 in the preliminary round.
Head coach Tseng Hao-ju admitted the defeat was heavy but urged fans not to blame the players. “The responsibility is mine alone,” he said.
Reflecting on the lopsided loss, Tseng said, “This defeat is very difficult to accept.” He emphasized that every player wanted to perform their best, but the team’s offense simply failed to produce. Since the tournament began, the lineup has struggled at the plate, and the coaching staff has been trying different approaches to help players regain their hitting rhythm.
Success
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Success
Check your email to complete sign up
Tseng noted that players worked hard throughout the game to be patient at the plate and find ways to get on base. “We just couldn’t deliver the key hit,” he said, adding that it will be an area the team must improve in the remaining games.
“The players are doing everything they can on the field,” Tseng stressed. “I hope people won’t blame them. I will take full responsibility.”
When asked about the team’s approach against Ohtani, Tseng praised the pitching staff for their courage in challenging him directly. He noted that everyone in the world knows Ohtani is a top-tier hitter capable of changing a game with a single swing. Still, Taiwan’s pitchers chose to face him rather than intentionally walk or avoid him.
“This will also become experience,” Tseng said. “If we face Ohtani again in the future, figuring out how to deal with him is something the coaching staff wants to learn from.”
Taiwanese pitching legend Kuo Hung-chih voices support
Taiwanese baseball legend and left-handed pitcher Kuo Hung-chih posted a message on social media early on March 7 encouraging the struggling national team.
Kuo shared that he underwent nine surgeries during his professional career. Whenever he was injured, he often faced criticism from outsiders who claimed he wasn’t working hard enough or wasn’t strong enough.
He recalled a conversation with his wife: “Rather than giving up where you stand, it’s better to try again.” Kuo added that hard work may not always bring the best results immediately, but it becomes valuable experience for the future. He encouraged the national team to keep moving forward despite the setback.
The post quickly attracted many comments from fans, including messages such as:
- “Like you, they are a phoenix rising from the ashes. Everyone keep going!”
- “This failure is nothing—it’s precious fuel for future success. Go Team Taiwan!”
- “Every failure is nourishment for the success that lies ahead.”
Taiwan currently holds a 0–2 record and will face the Czech team—also 0–2. Many Japanese fans have also expressed support for Taiwan online, hoping the team can seize its remaining opportunities and, together with Japan, advance to the quarterfinals in Miami, United States.
