Dominican Republic Dominate Korea in World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal, Guerrero Jr. Shines
MIAMI – The Dominican Republic advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a decisive 10-0 victory over South Korea on Friday night. The Dominican lineup showcased its power and aggressive baserunning, securing their spot in the next round.
Guerrero Jr.’s Spectacular Play
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Played a pivotal role in the Dominican Republic’s offensive surge. In the second inning, Guerrero drew a walk against former teammate Hyun Jin Ryu, acknowledging the veteran pitcher with a respectful bow. Junior Caminero followed with a double, setting the stage for Guerrero’s remarkable run.
Despite appearing to stumble turning towards home plate, Guerrero executed an impressive leap and slide to avoid the tag, scoring the Dominican Republic’s first run. Caminero remarked, “I told him I’d grant him a Wagyu steak and he dove in like into a swimming pool.”
Dominican Republic’s Offensive Prowess
The Dominican Republic continued to build their lead throughout the game. Julio Rodríguez added an RBI groundout, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Singled to drive out Ryu. Juan Soto also contributed with aggressive baserunning, mirroring Guerrero’s daring slide to score another run.
Manager Albert Pujols praised the team’s aggressive approach, stating, “Speaking about Vladimir Guerrero and Juan Soto, maybe they are not the fastest runners, but they were aggressive on the bases. When you have this kind of team that can damage you not only with the bat, but the way they play so aggressively, they know about the importance of this tournament for themselves, for the country, for our homeland. And at the same time, they respect baseball, and they are going to play baseball the way it is supposed to be played, taking advantage of the mistakes made by our rivals.”
Looking Ahead
With this quarterfinal win, the Dominican Republic moves forward in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, aiming for their second title, having previously won in 2013. Their blend of power hitting and aggressive baserunning makes them a formidable contender as the tournament progresses.