MIAMI – The Dominican Republic Baseball Team begins its journey in the 2026 World Baseball Classic this Friday, facing Nicaragua at loanDepot park in Miami. The match, corresponding to Group D, is scheduled for 7:00 PM (Eastern Time) and will be broadcast on FS2. The Dominican team, one of the favorites, seeks to redeem itself after its elimination in the previous edition and conquer the title.
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Stars on the Diamond
Albert Pujols, leading the team, presents a lineup packed with Major League figures. Cristopher Sánchez, a left-handed pitcher, will start the game from the mound, a bet on youth and consistency in major league baseball.Dominican Attack: Power and Depth
The Dominican offensive will be led by stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Manny Machado and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., forming a feared offensive core in the tournament. In addition, Julio Rodríguez, Ketel Marte, and the young Junior Caminero add depth to a lineup designed to produce runs from the start. With All-Star players in their batting order, the Dominican Republic will seek to impose its power in a competitive group.Nicaragua: The Search for Surprise
Nicaragua, managed by Dusty Baker, combines youth and experience in its team. Mark Vientos, Cheslor Cuthbert, and Ismael Munguía lead the offense, while Erasmo Ramírez and JC Ramírez head the pitching staff. The Central American team will seek to surprise the Dominican Republic with its defense, speed, and pitching.Probable Lineups
Dominican Republic
- Fernando Tatis Jr. — RF
- Juan Soto — LF
- Manny Machado — 3B
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — 1B
- Julio Rodríguez — CF
- Ketel Marte — 2B
- Junior Caminero — DH
- Agustín Ramírez — C
- Jeremy Peña — SS
- Cristopher Sánchez — P (starter)
Nicaragua
- Ismael Munguía — CF
- Jeter Downs — 2B
- Mark Vientos — 3B
- Cheslor Cuthbert — DH
- Freddy Zamora — SS
- Juan Diego Montes — RF
- Chase Dawson — LF
- Melvin Novoa — C
- Brandon Leyton — 1B
