Dominican Republic WBC Team Blasts 4 HRs in 12-1 Mercy Rule Rout of Netherlands

Juan Soto's walk-off two-run homer in the seventh inning secured a 12-1 mercy rule victory for the Dominican Republic WBC team over the Netherlands.

The Dominican Republic improved to 2-0 in Group D play following a 12-1 mercy rule victory over the Netherlands in seven innings at loanDepot Park. Juan Soto punctuated the blowout with a two-run blast in the bottom of the seventh, providing the double-digit lead required to end the contest early. This result marks the third game of the current World Baseball Classic tournament to conclude via the shortened-game format. Through two games in Miami, the Dominican squad has outscored opponents by a total of 24-4.

Starting pitcher Luis Severino earned the win by throwing four innings, allowing just one run on three hits while recording five strikeouts. Offensively, the lineup relied on a power surge featuring four long balls from Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero, and Austin Wells. The victors also displayed disciplined plate appearances, as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ketel Marte each drew three walks during the Sunday matchup.

Fifth-Inning Explosion and Exit Velocity Stats

A six-run fifth inning effectively put the game out of reach for the Dutch. Junior Caminero ignited the rally with a three-run shot, his second of the tournament. Statcast data tracked Caminero's drive at an exit velocity of 115.8 mph. Austin Wells followed later in the frame with a two-run homer of his own, and Ketel Marte capped the scoring in the inning with a sacrifice fly to make the score 10-1.

The Dominican side took an early lead in the first inning against starter Arij Fransen, who was charged with the loss. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in the first run with an RBI single, followed by Marte scoring from third base on a throwing error committed by shortstop Xander Bogaerts. While Didi Gregorius cut the lead to 2-1 with a solo homer in the second inning, Guerrero Jr. extended the margin back to three runs with a two-run shot in the third.

Group A Results: Cuba Defeats Colombia

In Group A action held at Puerto Rico’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium, Cuba moved to 2-0 with a 7-4 victory over Colombia. The Cuban side established an early 4-0 lead in the first inning against Luis Patiño. Ariel Martinez delivered the biggest blow of the frame, hitting a three-run homer to right field on a 2-1 fastball. This followed a walk by Roel Santos and Yoan Moncada being hit by a pitch. Erisbel Arruebarrena chased Patiño from the game with a one-out solo shot later in the same inning.

Cuba's pitching staff relied on Denny Larrondo, who threw two innings to earn the win, while Raidel Martinez secured his second save of the tournament by pitching the ninth. Yiddi Cappe provided insurance in the sixth inning with a two-run triple. Yoelkis Guibert finished the day with two of Cuba's eight total hits. Colombia, now winless in the tournament, struggled with situational hitting, going 2-for-28 with runners in scoring position and leaving 29 runners on base across three games.

Standings and Upcoming Schedule

The Netherlands now sits at a 1-2 record following the lopsided defeat. Colombia prepares for a Monday matchup against Panama, looking for their first win after Gio Urshela drove in a run and Tito Polo recorded two RBIs in the loss to Cuba. The Cuban national team is scheduled to face Puerto Rico on Monday night in San Juan.

The Dominican Republic's statistical dominance is highlighted by a +20 run differential over two games. The Dutch offense was stifled by Severino and the bullpen, managing only the Gregorius solo homer. This victory ensures the Dominican Republic remains at the top of the Group D standings as the tournament continues in Miami.