Dominican Republic Secures First Place and Advances to Quarterfinals in the World Baseball Classic
MIAMI – The Dominican Republic demonstrated its power on the diamond by defeating Venezuela with a score of 7-5, thus securing first place in Group D in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. With this victory, the Dominican team finished the group stage impeccably, with a perfect record of 4-0.
This triumph not only gives them the lead in the group, but also guarantees them a place in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The next challenge for the Dominican selection will be to face South Korea this Friday. For its part, Venezuela, which finished in second place, will face Japan on Saturday in the next round.
The Dominican offense, known for its strength and ability to hit long-range hits, made itself felt from the first innings of the game. Juan Soto, Ketel Marte, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. hit home runs that boosted the Quisqueyan offense.
With these impressive home runs, the Dominican Republic reached a total of 13 home runs in their first four games of the championship. This achievement sets a new record for a team in the World Baseball Classic, surpassing the previous mark of 12 home runs, established by Mexico in the 2009 edition.
The long-range offensive has been one of the main strengths of the team led by Albert Pujols, which has a lineup full of Major League stars capable of changing the course of a game with a single swing.
In addition to setting the new record in the first four games, the Dominican team is also approaching the historical mark for the most home runs hit by a team in a single World Baseball Classic, a record that also belongs to Mexico with 14 home runs in the 2009 edition.
With its powerful offense and undefeated run in the group stage, the Dominican Republic reaches the quarterfinals as one of the most feared teams in the tournament and with its sights set on continuing to advance in the fight for the title.
