Team Israel Eliminates Nicaragua in Pool D WBC Shutout

Miami, Florida – A pitcher’s duel led to Team Israel pulling away during the fifth inning, beating Nicaragua 5-0 to record their first win of this year’s WBC. Both starting pitchers saw success on the mound, finishing the evening with almost identical stats. Carlos Rodriguez pitched four frames of one-run ball, scattering two hits, two walks, and striking out four. Israel’s Dean Kremer tossed four and a third innings, two hitting the Nicaraguans, walking one, and also punching out four. The bullpen continued Kremer’s efforts and didn’t allow another hit the rest of the night. Born in Rivas, Nicaragua, and raised in Miami, Rodriguez attended Miami Christian School and Florida Southwestern State College in Ft. Myers. This is his second World Baseball Classic appearance. He was the youngest player on Nicaragua’s 2023 WBC roster.

Repping The U 🙌#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU || #WorldBaseballClassic || @CanesBaseball https://t.co/zLHudTUNYF

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 9, 2026

Kremer, meanwhile, is the only individual on Israel’s roster to have appeared on all three of their World Baseball Classic teams. He was the first Israeli drafted by a Major League team when he was selected by the San Diego Padres in 2015. Kremer, however, did not sign.

Israel opened the scoring at the bottom of the second. Noah Mendlinger singled to right field, bringing in Cole Carrigg, who stole both second and third after scratching a base hit. Mendlinger was 3-for-3 by game’s end. There would be little action at the plate until the midway point. Nicaragua’s best chance to score came in the fifth. Mark Vientos singled, and then Omar Mendoza drew a walk. Although Juan Montes struck out, Melvin Novoa received a free pass from reliever Josh Mallitz, loading the bases for former Cane Freddy Zamora. Nicaragua was unable to tie it as Zamora grounded into a double play to third baseman Jake Gelof.

It was fun catching up with these guys and seeing them move onto the next level. Keep grinding and keep on growing!#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU || #WorldBaseballClassic https://t.co/hvKJt4vQMR

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 8, 2026

Then the big inning came. Harrison Bader extended the Israelis’ lead, hitting a bloop RBI single to right. Another former Hurricane found themselves in a bases-loaded situation. Zach Levenson came through with a clutch two-run hit to double up the opponent 4-0, his sole success at the dish tonight. Carrigg completed the effort with a base hit, knocking in RJ Schreck to finish 2-for-4. Israel won their last meeting back in 2023, rallying late in the eighth to win 3-1. Israel improves to 1-1 and will face the Dominican Republic next. At 0-3, Nicaragua is officially eliminated. Their last game will be against Venezuela on Monday night.

Impressions

I was torn on this game. On the one hand, Nicaragua was 0-6 all-time for the tourney. I wanted them (and Zamora) to win, finally. On the other hand, there are three other Canes on Team Israel. The better team won. Pool D is top-heavy, and this result did not change that fact. Four teams remain and of those, two will move on.

About Post Author

Gabriel Garcia

Just an avid sports fan who happens to have a love-hate (mostly love) relationship with his local teams be it collegiate or professional and also happens to be a news junkie. Mix in outstanding optimism with cold realism and you’ve got yourself a balanced cocktail perfect for champions.

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