WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - CZECHIA VS KOREA

March 5, 2026

Pavel Chadim

Tokyo Dome

Team Czechia

Postgame Press Conference

Korea 11, Czechia 4

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Manager Pavel Chadim.

Q. Today's contest, you put Max on the ninth hitter spot. What was the intention?

PAVEL CHADIM: I like him like nine-hole hitter. He's unbelievable fast. He's a great talent. He's 18 years old, and I think it wasn't bad performance, and I think he will continue tomorrow against Australia.

Q. Today's contest you were defeated by a big margin, but on the other hand, if you earn something by defeated the game, tell us, please. Also, next question is, if you could mention us tomorrow's probable starter, let us know, please.

PAVEL CHADIM: I'm happy for hitters. It's a great feeling to play the best team in the world face-to-face. We were leading in hits. I think last call was 10-9 for them in hits.

Yes, it's life. Starting pitcher, Dan Padysak, it wasn't best game for him. I understand after injury. But I am happy that we played competitive baseball. I hope that fans in Czechia and fans around the world saw it, and tomorrow starting pitcher is Tomas Ondra.

Q. Past November you played against Korea. Is there any differences? Who you've got the most impressed for tonight's contest?

PAVEL CHADIM: I think difference was four home runs against us today. I think they had -- this night they had two Major Leaguers and one Triple-A guy or Major League, I don't know, with two home runs. This is the big difference. We lost 4-0 in home runs.

Q. A while ago you mentioned that this was something you expected, but pitcher Padysak, you only let him pitch only 18 pitches count. Is there a possibility that he could starting again in the future's game?

PAVEL CHADIM: He didn't feel ball correctly with two fingers. We will see if he will be healthy. It's chance.

Q. What was the key that you got a nine base hit and four runs against the Korean's tough pitchers?

PAVEL CHADIM: Very interesting question. I'm happy for my hitters. I'm proud of my team, and we work hard. Maybe interesting information that we work hard last three months with a Korean specialist, (indiscernible).

We were in time there, and I am very happy, and we were close of fifth run when Marek Chlup was turning to home. Maybe five runs would be enough, but everything is difference, you know, in all the game.

Q. Pavel, rough game today, but you have to be -- I'm curious what your thoughts on Kovala and Novak, what you thought they did well, and your decision in bringing them into the game when you did.

PAVEL CHADIM: Face-to-face we wanted to show our strong side, never give up. I am so happy, because you know, after two innings, somebody can think that we are down, and we are maybe in mercy-rule situation, but I told Boris Vecerka after eight inning, be ready for nine inning.

Q. Vavra, who has had MLB experience players, got a home run. Then when he goes around the bases, he was pumped up all the dugout. How did you evaluate his atmosphere?

PAVEL CHADIM: I am not focus on it. I focus just about baseball. Sorry, I don't want to see these things. This?

Great performance from him. Congratulations, but I think it started with strikeout first at-bat. Great eye. Great swing. Congratulations, but still, it's not easy to lose. It's not easy to see it, but they play well. Congratulations for Korea.

Q. Let me pull up my first question. Tonight's contest you put Max on the ninth hitter. Do you also mean that Max has huge potential for the future of Czechia baseball?

PAVEL CHADIM: Absolutely.