Dominican Republic has a grand time in rout of Israel
Before the Dominican Republic ever took a swing Monday, loanDepot Park already felt like a Dominican baseball gathering. Adrián Beltré and Edwin Encarnación were posted in the dugout. David Ortiz and Gary Sheffield walked in not long after.
In between batting practice rounds, Ortiz leaned in for a long conversation with Junior Caminero, a quiet scene that looked like Dominican baseball across generations in real time.
Then the current version of the Dominican Republic did what it has done all week.
Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a grand slam in the second inning and added a two-run single in the seventh as the Dominican Republic (3-0) rolled past Israel (1-2) 10-1 at loanDepot Park. With the roof closed again and Latin music star Natti Natasha throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, the building felt primed for the kind of WBC afternoon that can turn loud fast. The Dominican Republic made sure it did, remaining undefeated in Pool D in front of an announced crowd of 28,728.
Israel manager Brad Ausmus said the setting was exactly what the Classic is supposed to feel like. “The atmosphere was great when you’re playing the DR, especially here in Miami,” he said.
Later, when asked about the idea that the Dominican roster resembles the kind of lineup people build in a video game, Ausmus leaned into it.
“It’s the type of team you put together when you want to win on PlayStation, MLB The Show,” he said.
Albert Pujols, now managing the Dominican Republic, said the “superteam” feel extends beyond the lineup card. He pointed to the former players around the club as an active part of how the team operates day to day.
“They motivate the guys. They are there for the players,” Pujols said before the game. “Those players were respected and are respected by them, so being part of that team, being part of that committee that is writing history, we are very grateful to them.”
Beltré said his presence was about the jersey and what it represents, even after a playing career ends.
“For me, it’s important for the Dominican Republic. I’m a proud Dominican,” Beltré said. “I was in two different WBC before, so for me it’s a privilege to be part of the community and be around those guys here.”
For an inning, Israel matched the moment. Dominican starter Brayan Bello needed just eight pitches for a 1-2-3 first, and Israel starter Ryan Prager answered with a clean bottom half, keeping the game scoreless into the second.
The warning signs, though, were obvious. The crowd noticeably rose in volume every time Juan Soto stepped toward the plate, and the Dominican Republic kept forcing traffic. That pressure turned into the game’s defining inning.
In the top of the second, Manny Machado worked a leadoff walk. Two more walks loaded the bases. Geraldo Perdomo then drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the game’s first run, and the Dominican faithful rose to their feet and stayed there when Tatis stepped in.
He rewarded the buildup.
On a 1-2 count, Tatis turned on a changeup and launched it into the left-field stands for a grand slam, a 400-foot shot with a 104.9 mph exit velocity that pushed the Dominican Republic ahead 5-0 and ended Prager’s day at 42 pitches.
Pujols said the roster is built to make that kind of inning feel inevitable.
“That’s how dangerous this lineup is,” Pujols said. “One day it’s gonna be Tatis, the other day Guerrero, Soto, Oneil.”
Israel’s bullpen steadied the game after the slam. Zach Weiss came in and helped slow the momentum, and Daniel Federman followed with a clean fifth that kept Israel within reach if it could create some traffic on the bases.
The Dominican Republic did not allow that window to open.
In the fourth, Cruz jumped on a 2-0 fastball and laced a line-drive homer that left almost as quickly as it was hit, a 400-foot shot with a 115.8 mph exit velocity that pushed the lead to 6-0. Through three games, Cruz has yet to record an out.
From there, Dominican pitching tightened again. Bello kept missing bats early, and the bullpen followed suit. Gregory Soto struck out the side in the sixth, pushing the Dominican pitching staff into double-digit strikeouts through six innings.
The Dominican Republic added separation again in the seventh. The red-hot Cruz doubled again to start the inning, and Tatis came through once more. With runners in scoring position and the Dominican crowd rising again, he chopped a ground ball through the left side for a two-run single that stretched the lead to 8-1.
Israel threatened briefly in the bottom of the seventh, putting runners into scoring position, but could not cash in.
The Dominican Republic kept adding cushion. In the ninth, Machado reached on a hit by pitch and Erik González ripped an RBI triple down the left-field line to make it 10-1. Seranthony Domínguez then retired the final three hitters.
Even with the game trending one way early, the Dominican Republic never treated it as a finish line. Pujols said the group understands the expectation attached to the jersey.
“Trust me, they understand,” he said. “Our goal is to win this tournament… our mission is not over. Until it’s over.”
As the Dominican Republic piled on late, a group of fans made its own lap around the concourse, dancing and chanting, “We want Venezuela.” The next chance to prove it comes Wednesday, when the Dominican Republic faces Venezuela with first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m.
Israel will look to rebound Tuesday against Nicaragua with first pitch scheduled for 7:08 p.m.
