Dominican Republic Blowout Versus Korea in World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals

A lot was on the line for 2026 WBC teams on Friday night. Pool play was coming to an end and only eight teams from the 20 participants would move on to the semifinals in Miami. Well, the DR took care of business with the quickness. The Dominican Republic blew out Korea in the World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals in just seven innings.

After the first inning, it was ALL Dominican Republic. The DR jumped out to a 3-0 lead over Korea in the second inning on RBI hits by Junior Caminero, Julio Rodriguez and Fernando Tatis Jr. Yes, you read that correctly, this team is just THAT stacked.

Nevertheless, the hits just kept on coming. The D.R. opened the third with three straight hits for another two runs. Then two more runs came in on bases-loaded walks. Austin Wells ended the game with a 3-run homer to give the D.R. a 10-0 “mercy rule” win.

However, it wasn’t just the hot bats that were getting the job done and providing excellent run support for their hurlers. Dominican Republic’s pitching also shone bright in prime time and helped take pressure off the offense. Cristopher Sanchez was on fire and elite. He would go on to strike out eight Korean batters in five innings. A very great performance from the mound.

Dominican Republic Blowout Versus Korea in World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals

Nonetheless, one more note from the offensive side of things. Another very exciting highlight of the game came via Vladimir Guerrero Jr. While Vladimir isn’t normally known for speed; the baseball star worked out all offseason adding tone, muscle and strength. His hard work in the gym became evident as he flew around the bases to score at home.

Vladdy’s velocity around the diamond was noticeably better. He even beat a fast-paced relay as Korea did everything to get the ball to their catcher. However, Vladimir did a Pete Rose style jump into home and scored another RBI for the DR team. Nice!

The Dominican Republic has now scored 51 runs through five games of the Classic. That’s over 10 a game, easily dwarfing the United States for the most by any team at the tournament. They’ve slugged 14 home runs, also the most in the WBC ahead of Italy. The D.R.’s 14 home runs this WBC are tied for the most ever in a single Classic. Mexico also hit 14 homers in 2009.

So far, the Dominican Republic has looked like a well-oiled machine in the WBC. And this has been their best World Baseball Classic appearance in over a decade. The DR will be headed to the semifinals for the first time since 2013.

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