The Dominican Republic clinched its pass to the quarterfinals in the 20-team 2026 World Baseball Classic with a victory over Israel. The DR played its third game against Israel on Monday, 9 March 2026. The DR had already defeated Nicaragua (12-3), The Netherlands (12-1) and Israel (10-1).
Head coach Albert Pujols rested star sluggers Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez and Junior Caminero for the 9 March game. Regardless, that game against Israel would again be an extraordinary one for remaining Dominican batters. Seemingly with ants in his pants at his enhanced responsibility in the game, Fernando Tatis Jr delivered six of the 10 runs. MLB reported that the San Diego Padres outfielder hit the first grand slam by a Dominican Republic player in WBC history, setting a team record with six RBIs to lead the DR to its 10-1 victory over Israel at loanDepot park – and the trip to the Classic quarterfinals.
Tatis continued his big day with a two-run single in the seventh, becoming the first Dominican player to drive in six runs in a WBC game and tying Adrian Gonzalez (Mexico, 2009) for the second-most RBIs in a WBC game. Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. holds the record, having driven in seven runs for Team USA against South Africa in the first WBC back in 2006. Tatis, who was 2-for-4 with five walks and four runs scored in the D.R.’s first two games, is now slashing .500/.692/.875 in the tournament.
Oneil Cruz would also hit a solo home run, his first in the series for the ninth of the Dominican Republic in the first three games of the 2026 WBC. The record of home runs is 14, set by Mexico in 2009.
Dominican starter Brayan Bello was brilliant, limiting Israel to only one hit – a solo homer by Spencer Horwitz – over five innings, striking out seven.
Team DR has one game remaining in the opening phase. Team DR will take on Venezuela Wednesday night (8 ET). The losing team of that confrontation will face defending champion Japan in the quarterfinals. Japan is regarded as the team to beat. Japan has already won three championships and Shohei Ohtani is the ace to ensure Japan wins its fourth trophy. The DR is seen as its most formidable rival.
Venezuela moved to the quarterfinals also winning 3-0. Venezuela won its games against Nicaragua (4-0), Netherlands (6-2), Israel (11-3). The DR won its games Nicaragua (12-3), (Netherlands 12-1) and Israel (10-1), evidence of platano power.
Sandy Alcantara will be the pitcher for the Dominican Republic. Alcantara is seeking redemption in 2026. He had played in the WBC 2023 tournament as the undisputed ace of the Dominican staff. At that time, Alcantara was at the pinnacle of his career, having just become the first Miami Marlins pitcher to win the National League Cy Young Award following a historic 2022 season where he led the majors in innings pitched and complete games.
However, his highly anticipated 2023 start against Venezuela proved to be a rare stumble. Alcantara struggled with his command, allowing three runs over just 3 2/3 innings in a 5-1 loss that set a difficult tone for the DR’s early exit.
Now, further removed from the Tommy John surgery that sidelined him in 2024 and showing flashes of his elite 2022 form during the second half of 2025, Alcantara is slated for a high-stakes rematch. His Wednesday start against Venezuela is more than just a game; it is a chance to reclaim his status as a national hero and erase the memories of that 2023 disappointment.
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10 March 2026