MIAMI – The roof at loanDepot park barely survived the onslaught. The Dominican Republic’s potent lineup delivered an electrifying display of power hitting to defeat Venezuela and secure first place in Group D of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The Dominican Republic’s 7-5 victory on Wednesday night was a showcase of offensive firepower, solidifying their position as a tournament favorite.
With a crowd of 36,230 – a vibrant mix of fans from both nations – packing loanDepot park, the highly anticipated matchup lived up to its billing. The Dominican Republic and Venezuela traded blows throughout the contest, but the Dominican’s barrage of home runs proved too much for their opponents to handle.
The Dominican Republic finished the group stage with a remarkable 13 home runs, the most by any team in the 2026 Classic and the highest total for any nation in the tournament’s first four games. Juan Soto, Ketel Marte, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. Each launched a home run, contributing to the offensive explosion.
Venezuela mounted a spirited comeback in the ninth inning, scoring two runs and bringing the potential tying run to the plate in the form of their captain, Salvador Pérez. However, Elvis Alvarado induced a game-ending double play from Pérez, a play expertly turned by Manny Machado at third base, whose defensive prowess has been a highlight of the tournament.
Both the Dominican Republic and Venezuela had already clinched their spots in the Classic’s quarterfinals in Miami, but Wednesday night’s contest determined the Group D winner. This rivalry between the two nations is one of the most storied in World Baseball Classic history, with five of the six Classic tournaments featuring a matchup between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
The Dominican Republic now holds a 5-1 record against Venezuela in World Baseball Classic play, with Venezuela’s lone victory coming in the most recent tournament in 2023. The history between these two teams adds another layer of intensity to their matchups, fueled by national pride and a deep-rooted baseball tradition.
The Dominican Republic will now face Korea, the runner-up from Group C, in the quarterfinals on Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS2. Venezuela will have a tougher road ahead, as they will face the winner of Group C and the defending World Baseball Classic champion, Japan, in their quarterfinal matchup on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.
Adding to the electric atmosphere, a host of Dominican baseball legends were in attendance Wednesday night, including Hall of Famers David Ortiz and Adrián Beltré, as well as former MLB stars José Bautista, Edwin Encarnación, and José Reyes. These icons of the game were able to witness the next generation of Dominican talent position on a spectacular performance.
The Dominican Republic’s offensive display wasn’t just about power; it was a testament to the depth and talent within their lineup. The ability to consistently hit home runs, combined with solid pitching and defense, makes them a formidable opponent in the quarterfinals and beyond. For Venezuela, despite the loss, their performance in the group stage demonstrates their competitive spirit and potential for a deep run in the tournament.
The quarterfinals promise to be a thrilling stage for both teams. The Dominican Republic will gaze to continue their offensive onslaught against Korea, even as Venezuela will require to bring their best game to challenge the reigning champions from Japan. The World Baseball Classic continues to deliver exciting baseball and showcase the passion and talent of players from around the globe.
What’s Next: The Dominican Republic will face Korea in the quarterfinals on Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS2. Venezuela will face Japan on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET on FOX. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the World Baseball Classic.
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