WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - CZECHIA VS KOREA

March 6, 2026

Shay Whitcomb

Bo Gyeong Moon

Tokyo Dome

Team Korea

Postgame Press Conference

Korea 11, Czechia 4

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Shay, question for you. This is your first game, official game, for Korea. What did it mean to wear the jersey, and have you heard from your mother yet, or do you have an idea what she might say to you?

SHAY WHITCOMB: Yeah, I mean, it means everything to wear the jersey. To be able to honor and represent my mom in that way is one of the greatest honors for me and such a blessing.

No, I haven't yet talked to her, so I'm sure it's going to be full of excitement and big hugs. I can't wait.

BO GYEONG MOON: First of all, yes, that was my first-ever WBC games playing, and my parents were so happy. I was told by them before the game start that they were expecting me to put all-out, and the result was something I deserved, so I'm so happy.

Q. Question for Mr. Moon. Tell us about your first grand slam home run. That gives you a very huge lead, and you have a playing celebration things. How did you feel when you hit a home run and did some, yeah, playing celebration?

BO GYEONG MOON: First of all, that was our first game, so I was a bit nervous. My first at-bat there was a three man on base, so I'm trying to do at least a sacrifice fly to score first. That led my at-bat good.

Regarding the performance, I was trying to aim for the base hit, but fortunate enough, I hit a home run for my first at-bat, so I had an opportunity to do some playing celebration, which is good.

Q. Question for Mr. Whitcomb. I guess that your mom were watching you two home runs for tonight. After you hit the first home run, I think your skipper was sending you some heart messages. If you could remember some, tell us about.

SHAY WHITCOMB: I always have a message from my mom. I love her a ton. I wouldn't be half the man without her. Yeah, again, like I said, honoring her in this way is such a blessing for me to be able to do and play for her country and be a part of this team. It means everything to me and her.

Q. (Off microphone.)

SHAY WHITCOMB: No, I didn't plan it. I didn't plan it. It was on the spot just out of celebration. The staff that we have is amazing. The players that we have are amazing. I mean, we can all hit. Our lineup is just insane. So it's going to be a fun tournament for us.

Q. I have a question for Shay. Your second at-bat you hit a solid home run, and your third at-bat you have two-run home runs. What's in your mind since you hit the second home run?

SHAY WHITCOMB: It was all excitement. I wasn't sure if it was going to get out. I kind of hit it off the end, but yeah, off the bat I was, like, Oh, my gosh, is that going to go, is it going to be another one?

So, yeah, that's what was going through my mind. When it went out, I was ecstatic. I mean, looking back at the dugout seeing my teammates all fired up means the most to me. So, yeah, that's what was going through my mind.

Q. The question for both of you, your next game is going to be the tough one play against Team Japan. Previously the Team Japan and the Team Korea are always having a good battle. Now, what's in your mind for the next game?

SHAY WHITCOMB: I'm ready for a battle. We're going to do what we do. I mean, we showed a good showing today of being able to hit the ball and pitch well. So we're going to play our game, and we're going to show up ready to fight. You know, I have confidence in our guys.

BO GYEONG MOON: First, Team Japan has great rosters, and I am having a very huge respect for some of them. Lately Team Japan defeat Korea lately, so day after tomorrow, yeah, it's a must-win game for us.