WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - CHINESE TAIPEI VS KOREA

March 8, 2026

Tsung-Che Cheng

Tokyo Dome

Team Chinese Taipei

Pregame Press Conference

Q. Today, can you share with us your game plan, especially against the Korean starting pitcher? He has quite good experience. How do you approach him?

TSUNG-CHE CHENG: Well, if he had experience pitching for the Dodgers, and previously I had experience as well, as you mentioned he has great experience and he's a lefty, and not only starting pitcher, Team Korea is a great team but at the same time we have enough preparation as well.

Q. Yesterday, did you watch the Korean game? I think Korea has great power especially on offense, are you ready for today's game and what's your expectation for today's game?

TSUNG-CHE CHENG: Yes, I watched the Korean games. It was impressive both offensively and defensively. It was such a great baseball game, and Team Korea is such a tough opponent. We are going to have a tough game today. We will have all our effort on to the game. Once the game starts, it always happens, something you cannot control yourself but otherwise, the team is ready.

Q. Last night, Fairchild had two stolen base last night. Do you have any specific plans for baserunners?

TSUNG-CHE CHENG: Yes, regarding offense, we have a huge advance scout, not only for stolen bases but also attempted bunt. It all depends on the baseball game. So we do the same approach today as yesterday. The only aim is to win.

Regarding our defense, we will get outs, and what I'm expecting from my pitcher is to pitch hard and try to get a win with good tension.

Q. These games, you're in Tokyo but they have been filled with 40,000 fans from Taiwan. Does that make it feel like a home game, and the volume is earsplitting in the crowd. What is it like down on the field, and is this something you notice or are you able to tune it out and focus on the game?

TSUNG-CHE CHENG: Yes, the environment, this is something special. It is not a home game, though. The Tokyo Dome is such a great atmosphere and experienced ballpark with a long history of baseball, and it's such a blessing and honor to play here representing my country.

All the fans are supporting us and behind us and all the fans flew from Chinese Taipei, and that gives me extra energy. So I have a lot of fun playing, and we never give up, no matter the result. With a strong mind, we still want to go to Miami for the quarterfinal round, and we won't give up until the tournament is over.