South Korea returns to LLWS with a bang

August 15, 2014

Following a 29-year absence, defeats Czech Republic 10-3 in 1st game

South Korea’s Ji Ho Park, left, and Jae Yeong Hwang celebrate after Park's three-run home run during the fourth inning of an international pool play baseball game against the Czech Republic at the Little League World Series, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, in South Williamsport. South Korea won 10-3. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

South Korea’s Ji Ho Park, left, and Jae Yeong Hwang celebrate after Park’s three-run home run during the fourth inning of an international pool play baseball game against the Czech Republic at the Little League World Series, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, in South Williamsport. South Korea won 10-3. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

South Korea returned to the Little League World Series with a bang.

Returning to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, after a 29-year absence — finally breaking through Taiwan and Japan’s stranglehold in the Asia-Pacific Region — South Korea blasted  Czech Republic 10-3 on Thursday.

The Czech Republic tied the game at 3 in the top of the fourth inning to make it interesting, but South Korea immediately scored five more runs to put the game away. Park Jo Ho and Yeong Jae each homered in this inning.

South Korea starter Hwang Jae Yeong struck out eight in three innings.

South Korea’s next game will be on Sunday, against either Australia or Puerto Rico.