Hosts Japan fell behind to start the game at the Tokyo Dome, as the Czech Republic scored during their first innings due to an error.

However, the lead did not last long as Japan secured the lead during the bottom of the third after Kensuke Kondoh and Munetaka Murakami scored.

By the end of the fourth, Japan had scored seven runs, as the favourites took control.

Kondah continued his impressive play with two more hits, while Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani doubled and stole third base.

Japan still have to face Australia in pool B, but they are guaranteed to advance as they have won all three games so far.

Hideki Kuriyama, the manager of Japan, dedicated the performance to the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Tōhoku, which left almost 20,000 people dead.

"Twelve years ago, we had a 3/11 earthquake," said Kuriyama.

"I understand a lot of Japanese people are still suffering from it. 

"There’s not much we can do, but throughout our baseball game, I hope the Japanese people forget about the 3/11 disaster and I want for everyone to have joy. 

"I hope that the baseball gods are wishing Roki Sasaki well."

Australia made it two wins from two with a 12-2 victory over China.

Chinese Taipei handed The Netherlands their first loss of the tournament, as they completed an upset at the Taichung Stadium.

The co-hosts conceded the first run, as Jurickson Profar put the Dutch ahead.

The tie turned quickly as infielder Yu Chang hit a grand slam that powered his country to a 5-1 lead.

The Asian side never looked back as both teams exchanged points, but The Netherlands were never able to recover.

The two teams are now tied at the top of pool A with two wins and one draw.

Panama kept their quarter-final hopes alive with a 2-0 win against Italy to complete their pool A campaign.

Defending champions the United States spoiled Britain's debut at the WBC with a 6-2 victory in their Pool C opener at Chase Field in front of 39,650 fans in Phoenix.

Trayce Thompson scored Britain's first home run at the WBC to take an early led, but the US hit back, Kyle Schwarber starring with a three-run homer in the fourth inning.

Colombia earned their first win at the WBC earlier in the day in Pool C with a 5-4 win against Mexico in a 10-inning thriller.

In Pool D's opening matches at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Venezuela impressed with a 5-1 triumph over Olympic bronze medallists Dominican Republic.

David Peralta impressed for Venezuela by driving in a three run contribution.

Puerto Rico thrashed Nicaragua 9-1 in the other Pool D fixture.

Pool A is set to conclude tomorrow in Taichung, with play continuing in the other three groups.