01/08/2023 1 Minute Read

Dominican Republic slug their way to third win

A seven-run first at-bat set the tone. The Dominican Republic are now 3-1 but will need to beat Panama on Wednesday to guarantee a spot in Super Round.

The first three Dominican batters scored on the first of three home runs. World No. 10 Dominican Republic outscored No. 45 New Zealand, 22-3, at the VII WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup.

The Dominican Republic did not waste any time, when first two hitters reached base and shortstop Raiyer Gonzalez got to the third offering from starter Hayden Zen Wong and turning it into a three-run homer.

Zen Wong left for Kayden Wood without getting an out, with the Dominicans leading 7-0. The Dominicans would add one run on the newcomer.

Timothy Harvey led off the bottom of the first with a double off right-hander Joshua Tomas. The Dominican outfield dropped a fly by second baseman Yuto Ikeda to put New Zealand on the board.

The Dominican Republic loaded the bases against Wood in the top of the second and New Zealand handed the ball to Curtis Grootjans. By the third out, the Dominican lead had grown to 18-1. Gustavo Talmare and Keimel Paula hit back-to-back home runs.

Trailing 22-1 in the bottom of the fourth, New Zealand took advantage of a pair of walks and a base hit by Ikeda to add two runs.

The Dominican Republic (3-1) will play their final game of Group B against Panama (2-2) on Wednesday, 2 August. They need a win to guarantee a spot in the Super Round. New Zealand (0-4) will face Korea.