‘South American ambush’ Panama defeated home team Taiwan in the first game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) and won its first historic victory. Hosobi and 먹튀검증 camaraderie were also outstanding.
Panama won 12-5 against Taiwan in the first game of the 2023 WBC Group A group stage held at Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taichung, Taiwan on the 8th (hereinafter Korean time). It was Panama’s first victory in the tournament, which recorded only 5 losses in the WBC in 2006 (3 losses) and 2009 (2 losses).
Panama’s victory was all the more unexpected as Taiwan was evaluated as a top-notch player and even gained support from their ardent home fans.
Panama’s concentration and rain were the driving force behind the victory.
MLB.com also reported, “Panama’s defense shone. Shortstop Ruben Tehada showed Hosobi, and right fielder Luis Castillo made the best jump catch of the tournament in the 5th inning.”
In the 5th inning, when Panama was leading 5-0, Taiwan’s leading batsman, Chung Zongjeo, hit well into the middle right. Right fielder Castillo and center fielder Jose Ramos pursued the ball at the same time. At this time, Castillo, who reached the fence, jumped and put the ball in the glove. However, Castillo and Ramos both looked at the batted ball and collided strongly. However, the shock of Castillo, who jumped without seeing Ramos, seemed bigger.