How did Seiya Suzuki do vs Chinese Taipei in World Baseball Classic pool play?

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Vincent Pensabene | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 6:53 PM ET

After coming off his best season in MLB, Chicago Cubs fans are excited to see if Seiya Suzuki could match his 2025 performance. He is one of the players who are competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as he is part of Team Japan. Suzuki would start in center field for the opening game for the team against Team Chinese Taipei, so let’s take a closer look at how he performed in the opening game of pool play for Team Japan.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki does well in a blowout win for Team Japan

MLB: St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs MLB: St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs Jul 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (27) hits an RBI double against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Team Japan would completely dominate Team Chinese Taiei, as they were able to secure a 13-0 victory in seven innings. Suzuki would have an impact on the game, but nothing too memorable compared to some of his other teammates. He would finish the game going 1 for 4 with a walk and a pair of runs scored.

He would draw a walk during the team’s 10-run second inning and score. Suzuki would come to the plate in the top of the third inning and hit a sharp line drive into center field for a single, his first hit of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. In the bottom of the fifth inning, he would shift positions in the field as he would move from center field to right field.

This game looked like a battle between teams on completely different levels. Suzuki did not need to put up crazy numbers at the plate in this game, as a pair of his Team Japan teammates were able to carry that load. Suzuki will play again tomorrow against Team Korea in pool play, but it will be intriguing to see if he is in the starting lineup and if so, how he performs.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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