Ozzie Albies’ Walk-Off Homer Lifts Netherlands Over Nicaragua in World Baseball Classic
MIAMI – Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves delivered a dramatic walk-off three-run home run on Saturday, propelling the Netherlands to a 4-3 victory over Nicaragua in a pivotal Pool D matchup of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot park. The hit marked the first walk-off home run in World Baseball Classic history and the tenth walk-off win overall in the tournament’s history, with the Netherlands now holding a record four such victories MLB.com.
A Frustrating Night Turned Heroic
For eight innings, the Dutch offense struggled, leaving 10 runners stranded and failing to record a hit in six at-bats with runners in scoring position. However, Albies’ swing erased all previous frustration. As he connected with the first pitch fastball from Angel Obando, Albies knew what was coming. “Time to celebrate,” Albies said. “The moment I hit it … I felt just like that. It hit the perfect spot on the bat, so I was really happy it happened at the right time.” MLB.com
Nicaragua’s Late Lead and Dutch Rally
Jeter Downs had given Nicaragua a 2-1 lead in the eighth inning with a two-run home run, putting his team six outs away from their first-ever WBC victory. The Netherlands responded with a two-out rally in the bottom of the ninth, sparked by a single from Ceddanne Rafaela and a double by Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts’ grounder to third base took a fortuitous bounce off the bag and into left field, setting the stage for Albies’ heroics. Nicaragua manager Dusty Baker acknowledged the luck involved, stating, “That was lousy luck for us. They say it’s a game of inches; that ball just hit the third base bag and bounced over.” MLB.com
Baker’s Decision Not to Walk Albies
Despite the situation, Nicaragua manager Dusty Baker chose not to intentionally walk Albies, a decision he seemingly reconsidered as Albies stepped up to the plate. Baker admitted he didn’t expect to pitch to Albies, but Albies walked to the plate assuming he would be given first base. “You don’t put the winning run on base,” Baker said. MLB.com
Game Statistics and Standings
The Netherlands stranded 14 baserunners and were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position before Albies’ game-winning hit. Ceddanne Rafaela, Xander Bogaerts, and Druw Jones each recorded two hits for the Netherlands. Nicaragua starter Erasmo Ramirez allowed one run and five hits over five innings. ESPN
With the win, the Netherlands improves to 1-1 in Pool D and will face the Dominican Republic on Sunday and Israel on Tuesday. Nicaragua falls to 0-2, facing a challenging path forward in pool play. ESPN