31/07/2023 2 Minute Read

Dominican Republic break out early, outslug USA in late innings

The two powerhouses are now tied in second place behind undefeated Korea in Group B.

Baseball powerhouses faced each other as No.10 Dominican Republic and No.2 USA performed a slugfest, each hitting a two-RBI homer and a grand slam. The Dominican Republic took an early lead and earned a 13-9 win, which leaves the two teams tied in Group B's second place behind undefeated Korea.

The Dominican Republic took advantage of Julian Knudsen's wild start. He walked the first two batters and balked. The Dominicans took the lead on a groundout. Right fielder Gustavo Talmare singled to make it 2-0, and the third run scored on a bunt by left fielder Angel Peralta. The Dominicans made it 4-0 on a wild pitch. Reliever Kingston George also struggled with control. The Dominican Republic added two runs on a wild pitch and an error.

In the bottom of the second, Raiyer Gonzalez reached on a walk, stole second, and scored on a groundout and a wild pitch, extending the lead to 7-0.

The USA regained their momentum in the top of the third. Tyler Early’s single through the right side drove in Raylen Hunter, and Early added another run on a wild pitch.

Dominican Republic’s Kelvin Reyes started the home run contest in the bottom of the fourth. His two-RBI homer made it 9-2.

After USA’s Zaylon Johnson’s single up the middle drove in Leyland Henry, Gavin Gomez hit a two-RBI home run to deep right field, resetting the scoreboard to 9-5.

Talmare helped the Dominican Republic extend the lead to 13-5 with his grand slam to right-center in the bottom of the fifth.

The USA tried to make the most of their last at-bat. Zaylon Johnson also hit a grand slam to deep left field. The Dominican Republic handed the ball to Rallyn Cabrera. The reliever allowed a two-strike base hit to Gavin Gomez and then got Boston Targac on strikes to end the game.

After the win, the Dominican Republic now have a 2-1 record and share second place with the USA in Group B.

On Day 5, the Dominican Republic will play against New Zealand at 14.30 local time, while the USA will face undefeated Korea at 18.30.