Miami, Florida – President Luis Abinader was present this Friday at LoanDepot Park to witness the opening game of the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic.The president threw out the first pitch in the game between the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, starting the Dominican team’s participation in this important competition.The presence of President Abinader highlights institutional support for national sports, in an event that attracts worldwide attention and gives fans the opportunity to see the best players in the world.The Dominican team, located in Group D, begins its journey in the tournament facing Nicaragua. The group also includes the Netherlands, Israel, and Venezuela.
Diplomatic Agenda in the United States
The Head of State is in Miami as part of an official visit that includes his participation in a high-level summit convened by the President of the United States.About the World Baseball Classic
The sixth edition of the international tournament began on Thursday and will run until March 17. In this event, 20 countries compete in 47 matches, distributed in a group stage (A, B, C, and D), quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand final.The matches are played in Japan, the United States, and Puerto Rico. The group rounds are held in Miami (Florida), Houston (Texas), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Tokyo (Japan).The quarterfinals will be played in Miami and Houston, while the final phase will be held in Miami.Japan arrives as the defending champion, after defeating the United States in the final of the 2023 tournament.Dominican Republic won the World Baseball Classic title in 2013, with an undefeated record of 8-0, defeating Puerto Rico in the final.Only three teams have won the World Baseball Classic: Japan (three times), Dominican Republic (once), and United States (once).President Abinader was accompanied by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, and the Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz.
