Utah Valley University alumnus Jeff Barto has been selected to join the Czechia national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which is set to begin on March 5, 2026. This will be Barto’s second time representing Czechia in the international tournament.
In his previous appearance at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Barto pitched 5 and one-third innings in relief against Korea. He allowed only one run, a solo home run by Atlanta Braves infielder Ha-Seong Kim. Czechia finished with a record of one win and three losses in Pool B during that tournament and did not advance to the knockout stage.
Barto played for Utah Valley during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Over his collegiate career, he made 38 appearances and pitched a total of 71 and one-third innings. In the 2013 season, he posted a record of two wins and two losses with an earned run average (ERA) of 2.85 over 21 games, earning three saves. He ranks third all-time among Utah Valley pitchers for single-season ERA and held opposing hitters to a .277 batting average.
For the upcoming tournament, Czechia will compete in Pool C at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. The team’s first game is scheduled against Korea on March 5. Other opponents in Pool C include Australia, Chinese Taipei, and Japan. The top teams from this group will move on to play in the quarterfinals at loanDepot park in Miami, home of the Miami Marlins.
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