World Classic: DR and Venezuela, a Caribbean duel with an intense history

Dominican Republic and Venezuela: A World Baseball Classic with Renewed History

The Dominican Republic and Venezuela selections are preparing for a new confrontation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking their sixth encounter in the history of the tournament. This rivalry, which has grown in intensity in the international baseball arena, promises an exciting chapter.

The tournament history favors the Dominican Republic, with four victories against one for Venezuela. The first duels date back to the inaugural edition in 2006, where the Dominicans achieved two victories. Subsequently, in 2013 and 2017, the Dominican Republic continued to dominate.

However, in 2023, Venezuela broke the Dominican streak with a victory, marking its first triumph and heightening the intensity of the rivalry.

Key Statistics of the Match

In view of this new encounter, the Dominican Republic presents better collective numbers in the tournament. Their record is 4-1, with an effectiveness of 2.86, a batting average of .272, an on-base percentage of .374, and seven home runs. Venezuela records a 1-4 mark, with a 4.93 ERA, .214 offensive average, .321 OBP, .346 slugging, three home runs, and 13 RBIs.

These numbers reflect the offensive power of the Dominican Republic, which has 24 RBIs, compared to Venezuela’s 13.

A New Chapter in the Rivalry

The upcoming clash between Dominicans and Venezuelans promises a new chapter in this rivalry full of history, talent, and Caribbean passion. Venezuela showed in the last edition that it can change the course, and curiously, that historic triumph occurred exactly on March 11, the same date on which both teams will face each other again.

World Baseball Classic Head-to-Head History

• 2006: Dominican Republic 11 – 5 Venezuela (First round) – Dominican Republic
• 2006: Dominican Republic 2 – 1 Venezuela (Second round) – Dominican Republic
• 2013: Dominican Republic 9 – 3 Venezuela (First round) – Dominican Republic
• 2017: Dominican Republic 3 – 0 Venezuela (Second round) – Dominican Republic
• 2023: Venezuela 5 – 1 Dominican Republic (First round) – Venezuela

Historical Balance in the World Baseball Classic:

🇩🇴 Dominican Republic: 4 wins 🇻🇪 Venezuela: 1 victory