Related Content

• Team USA clinches spot in WBC's second round at Dolphin Stadium
• Florida Marlins' Rick VandenHurk unfazed by pressure
• Dominican Republic rebounds to oust Panama

Florida Marlins' Rick VandenHurk unfazed by pressure

A day after defeating heavily favored Dominican Republic, the Netherlands baseball team was loose and focused as it practiced at Roberto Clemente Stadium on Sunday.

On Saturday, The Netherlands used a three-run first inning, and its bullpen came up big in a 3-2 victory over the Dominican Republic in a Pool D upset at the World Baseball Classic.

Now, the biggest Cinderella story in the WBC's short history will be in the hands of Marlins right-hander Rick VandenHurk against another powerhouse -- Puerto Rico -- on Monday.

Jeremy Hermida's time with Florida Marlins probably over

Jeremy Hermida has probably played his last game as a Marlin.

The outfielder, who will likely be traded during the offseason, is continuing to experience discomfort from an oblique injury.

As a result, manager Fredi Gonzalez said, ``I think he may be done.''

Former Florida Marlin Ivan Rodriguez cherishes World Series title

It has been six years since Pudge Rodriguez survived a violent hit from J.T. Snow at the plate and proudly held the ball in his outstretched hand for a wild and raucous Marlins crowd to celebrate.

And it has been a little less than six years since Rodriguez left South Florida, World Series ring in hand, for teams with deeper wallets. Rodriguez, 37, has accomplished a lot -- and been through a lot -- since he left the Marlins.

First, there were steroid allegations from former Rangers teammate Jose Canseco -- not long after Rodriguez dropped nearly 30 pounds from one season to the next. Then, there was a run to the World Series with the Tigers, a divorce from his wife of 15 years, a trade to the Yankees and free agency. This June, Rodriguez collected a big piece of baseball history.

World Baseball Classic team capsules

TOKYO, MARCH 5-9

JAPAN

Manager: Tatsunori Hara.

Puerto Rico (6-0) wins, faces Team USA next

Puerto Rico improved to 6-0 in World Baseball Classic first-round games, defeating the Netherlands 5-0 in the Pool D final Wednesday at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.

The Netherlands, which because of WBC pitching regulations had only five pitchers at its disposal, gave up 10 hits.

Puerto Rico will face the United States, which lost to Venezuela on Wednesday, at 8 p.m. Saturday at Dolphin Stadium in a second-round game. Team USA will play the Netherlands at 1 p.m.