Albies’ Walk-Off Home Run Lifts Netherlands Over Nicaragua in World Baseball Classic
MIAMI – Ozzie Albies etched his name into World Baseball Classic history on Saturday, delivering a stunning walk-off home run to propel the Netherlands to a 4-3 victory over Nicaragua at loanDepot park. The dramatic hit marked the first walk-off home run ever recorded in the tournament MLB.com.
Dramatic Ninth-Inning Rally
Trailing 3-1 entering the bottom of the ninth inning, the Netherlands faced a daunting task. After two quick outs, Ceddanne Rafaela singled to right field, sparking a rally. Xander Bogaerts followed with a ground-ball double, setting the stage for Albies. On the first pitch from Nicaragua’s Angel Obando, Albies launched a three-run home run over the right-center field fence, sending the Dutch crowd into a frenzy MSN.
Historic Moment for the Netherlands
Albies’ home run was the 10th walk-off win of any kind in WBC history and the fourth for the Netherlands, extending their lead over the United States for the most by any team MLB.com. The victory improves the Netherlands’ record to 1-1 in Pool D, while Nicaragua falls to 0-2.
Nicaragua’s Heartbreak
The loss is particularly devastating for Nicaragua, who were seeking their first-ever win in a main tournament World Baseball Classic game. They had previously gone 0-4 in 2023 and lost to the Dominican Republic on Friday. Nicaragua had briefly taken the lead in the eighth inning when Jeter Downs hit a two-run home run MSN.
Offensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities
The game was characterized by offensive struggles for both teams, with a combined 24 runners left on base, including twice leaving the bases loaded. The Netherlands scored first in the third inning after Nicaragua starter Erasmo Ramirez walked Xander Bogaerts and Ozzie Albies with the bases loaded ClutchPoints.
Looking Ahead
The Netherlands will next face the Dominican Republic on Sunday, while Nicaragua will look for their first win against Israel on the same day. The Netherlands previously lost to Venezuela on Friday, a game that included a playful exchange between Albies and his Atlanta Braves teammate, Ronald Acuña Jr. After Acuña posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) after the game ClutchPoints.