Dominican Republic outlasts Venezuela clinching Pool D of WBC

Miami, Florida – Pool D’s finale matched expectations, with the Dominican Republic topping Venezuela 7-5 to complete the first round of the WBC. Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara avenged 2023’s loss, getting plenty of run support this time around. The Dominicans scored early and often, scoring on four home runs, although they got a late-game scare. Reliever Abner Uribe was sent in to close the ninth inning, but instead walked three straight before getting pulled for Elvis Alvarado. Heading in, DR’s bullpen held Venezuela to two hits. Jackson Chourio scored on Luis Arraez’s sacrifice fly to left field, cutting into the lead.

Dominican Republic strikes first! Juan Soto with the two-run shot. #WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/SpI7rKURwo

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 12, 2026

With one out, what seemingly appeared to be a game-ending double play off Willson Contreras’ grounder turned into an errant throw that sailed into center field, allowing Ronald Acuña Jr. to score. The rally came up short when team captain Salvador Perez grounded into a double play. Alcantara got the win, throwing for three innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits. The Sand Man walked two and struck out three. Opposing starter Eduardo “El Gualo” Rodriguez got the loss.

Juan Soto struck first for the Dominican Republic, smashing it towards center field to take an early 2-0 lead. Venezuela immediately responded as Contreras plated Maikel Garcia on the RBI single. Garcia was the top performer on the Venezuelan side, hitting 4-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. The Dominicans continued to flex their formidable hitting power, however. Ketel Marte launched a no-doubter to left field, making it 3-1 during the third.

DR is showing how dangerous they are. Eye test shows they are the team to beat.#WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/iC8j7lX9pb

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 12, 2026

The power surge continued with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. crushing the ball off Eduard Bazardo, the first arm out of the bullpen. Guerrero had a successful night at the plate, going 3-for-4 and drawing a walk.  Down 4-1, the Venezuelans riposted with back-to-back RBI doubles. Garcia and Arraez manufactured key hits against Alcantara to keep the contest competitive. Fernando Tatis Jr. joined the Homer Club with a three-run blast to left field, putting the Venezuelans in a 7-3 hole. The scoring stopped from the fifth onwards. Venezuela threatened after the seventh inning stretch with runners at the corners, but were turned away when Perez popped out to center fielder Julio Rodríguez.

Another home run. My goodness. The Dominican Republic has scored all of its runs via homers. 4 to be precise.#WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/RAZYJ0llOh

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 12, 2026

Impressions

Team Dominican Republic won Pool D with an undefeated record! #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/ruvOtRaACw

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 12, 2026

Alcantara finished with almost identical numbers to those from 2023’s meeting. Back then, it was 3.2 IP, giving up three earned runs on five hits. He fanned two but walked three and was taken deep. I commend the Venezuelans for trying to keep up and fighting back at the end. However, the Dominican lineup punished their pitching staff in a long ball vs. small ball display. In addition, as a testament to the Dominican Republic’s power, they lead the tournament field with 13 dingers. Venezuela recorded five. The Italians surprisingly come second with 12.

Now that the first round is over, 20 teams become eight. Fans have witnessed quite a bit so far. The Italians stunned the Americans in what has to be the upset of the tournament, while Canada advances to the quarter-finals for the first time in WBC history. In another first, Cuba failed to advance from the group stage. There was also heartbreak. Mexico was eliminated after getting crushed by the Canadians, and Nicaragua remains winless at the WBC despite coming so close until the Netherlands walked them off. If that sounded great, well then, get ready, more is to come.

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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