Puerto Rico defeated the Dominican Republic 3-1 on Tuesday night in the Pool F opening game of the second round robin in the World Baseball Classic taking place in San Diego, California. World Baseball Classic highlighted the stellar performance by Puerto Rican pitchers and the strong showing by veteran catcher Yadier Molina. Molina stopped the Dominicans pulling a bases-loaded rally as it had to come from behind to defeat Team USA and Team Colombia earlier in the series. Molina also homered, drove in two runs, threw out a baserunner for a pivotal out late in the game and helped guide the pitching staff through nine innings of one-run ball.
The Dominican Republic’s lone run, a solo shot by Nelson Cruz came against Puerto Rican starter Orlando Roman in the second inning. This is the first loss by the Dominican team since 2009.
Team DR is playing in Pool F from 14-19 March 2017. Others in the pool are USA and Venezuela. The Dominican Republic next plays Venezuela on Thursday, 16 March at 10pm EDT and the United States on Saturday, 18 March at 10pm EDT.
Japan and Netherlands have already advanced awaiting the two winners of the Pool F series. The strongest contenders are teams Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and United States.
Read more:
MLB
World Baseball Classic
15 March 2017
