World Baseball Classic 2026: Japan improves to 2-0 with win over Korea

Yahoo Sports Staff Sat, March 7, 2026 at 2:10 PM UTC

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The World Baseball Classic logo is seen during the game three of the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers between Brazil and Germany at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) (Chris Coduto via Getty Images)

After an exciting first full day of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Saturday expects to provide even more memorable moments as pool play continues. The United States and Puerto Rico are among the teams in action and both are looking to improve to 2-0.

The eight-game schedule began with Japan topping Korea to move into a first-place tie in Pool C with Australia at 2-0. The action will continue with Panama facing Puerto Rico, Venezuela taking on Israel, and Korea playing Chinese Taipei.

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Japan 8, Korea 6

Japan hit four home runs, including two by Seiya Suzuki and another by Shohei Ohtani, to fend off Korea and improve to 2-0 in pool play.

Korea threatened in the eighth inning, cutting Japan’s lead to 8-6. Hyeseong Kim came to bat with two outs and the bases loaded, but was caught looking by Yuki Matsumoto. Japan's pitching helped put out several fires during the game and finished with 15 strikeouts and only two walks.

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Saturday’s WBC schedule, how to watch -

Korea vs. Japan, 5 a.m. ET on FS1

Colombia vs. Canada, 11 a.m. ET on FS2

Nicaragua vs. Netherlands, 12 p.m. ET on Tubi

Brazil vs. Italy, 1 p.m. ET on Fox Sports app

Panama vs. Puerto Rico, 6 p.m. ET on FS1

Israel vs. Venezuela, 7 p.m. ET on FS2

Great Britain vs. United States, 8 p.m. ET on Fox

Chinese Taipei vs. Korea, 10 p.m. ET on FS2

Sunday’s WBC schedule -

Japan vs. Australia, 6 a.m. ET on FS1/Fubo

Cuba vs. Colombia, noon ET on FS2/Fubo

Dominican Republic vs. Netherlands, noon ET on Fox/Fubo

Italy vs. Great Britain, 1 p.m. ET on Tubi

Israel vs. Nicaragua, 7 p.m. ET on Tubi

Canada vs. Panama, 7 p.m. ET on FS2/Fubo

Mexico vs. Brazil, 8 p.m. ET on FS1/Fubo

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Source: “AOL Sports”