In the first day of action in Groups C and D of the World Baseball Classic, No. 13 Dominican Republic overpowered No. 8 Canada at Marlins Park in Miami, while No. 11 Italy shocked No. 6 Mexico in Jalisco.
The Dominican Republic received home runs from Wellington Castillo and Jose Bautista as part of a 15-hit attack as the defending champions handed Canada a 9-2 defeat to open Group C.
Bautista’s 3-run home run in the sixth inning ignited the 27, 388 fans at Marlins Park and pushed his nation’s lead to 7-2 . Bautista finished with 4 RBI.
Dominican starter Carlos Martinez didn’t allow an earned run and had three strikeouts to earn the win, while Canadian starter Ryan Dempster suffered the loss.
Italy comeback victory
Trailing 9-5 in the bottom of the ninth at Estadio Charros de Jalisco, Italy scored five runs to stun the hometown fans and come away with a thrilling 10-9 win over No. 6 Mexico to open Group D.
John Andreoli’s single through the right side scored two runs to give Italy the walk-off win, keeping Europe (5-0) undefeated against representatives from other continents. Andreoli finished with 3 RBI and blasted a solo home run in the first inning.
Mexico had built a 7-5 lead after five innings and added two runs in the seventh before failing to record an out in the five run Italian ninth inning.
Italy and Mexico hitters combined for six home runs in the 19-run thriller.
Jordan Romano, who tossed a scoreless top of the ninth with two strikeouts, earn the win for Italy, while Mexico’s Oliver Perez took the loss.
