TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 10: Kaito Kozono #3 of Team Japan at bat in the second inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Czechia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 10: Kaito Kozono #3 of Team Japan slides out into the second base during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Czechia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 10: Kaito Kozono #3 of Team Japan slides out into the second base during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Czechia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 10: Ukyo Shuto #20 of Team Japan strikes out in the second inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Czechia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 10: Kaito Kozono #3 of Team Japan slides out into the second base during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Czechia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 10: <> during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Czechia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 10: Kaito Kozono #3 of Team Japan slides out into the second base during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Czechia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 10: Kaito Kozono #3 of Team Japan celebrates after hitting a single in the second inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Czechia and Japan at Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)