02/08/2023 1 Minute Read

Three homers spark Dominican Republic's 7-5 win over Panama

The power of their bats helped the Dominicans come from behind and qualify for the Super Round.

The Dominican Republic earned a win as they outscored Panama 7-5, at the VII WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup. The Dominicans scored all the runs they needed with a three-home run and a six-run inning.

Panama scored two runs in the top of the first against Dominican Republic’s Railyn Cabrera.

The Dominican Republic turned an inning-ending double play in the top of the second, preventing Panama from extending the lead.

At the end of the second, Yerald Vargas’ double to left center drove in Anthony Reyes, putting the Dominican Republic on the board.

The momentum shifted on to Dominican Republic's side, but Panama performed a well-executed double play in the bottom of the third.

Reyes hit a solo home run to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth, starting a rally.
Carlos Marrero added another run with his double to left center. Justin Garcia hit a go-ahead three-run homer and Gustavo Talmare hit a solo home run, the third in the at-bat, putting the Dominican Republic to lead at 7-2.

In the top of the fifth, Panama’s Yunieski Sanchez singled to right centre, reached third on Alain Cruz’s single through the left side, and eventually scored on Algis Palacio’s sacrifice fly to right field. Right after, Roger Vasquez hit a two-run home run, helping Panama catch up at 7-5.

Panama had a chance to take the lead back in the top of the sixth. Dominican reliever Carlos Marrero got out of a bases-loaded jam and saved the 7-5 win.

The Dominican Republic qualified for the Super Round out of Group B with a 4-1 record. Panama will play in the Placement Round.