Trending Now - Puerto Rico's Dominant Fifth Inning Sparks Classic Victory

WHO:

Puerto Rico Baseball Federation President: José Quiles

Puerto Rico Manager: Yadier Molina

Puerto Rico Players: Edwin Díaz, Seth Lugo, Carlos Cortes, Eddie Rosario, Willi Castro, Martín Maldonado, Heliot Ramos

Dominican Republic Manager: Albert Pujols

Dominican Republic Players: Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Junior Caminero, Julio Rodríguez, Oneil Cruz, Manny Machado

Nicaragua Manager: Dusty Baker

Colombia Players: José Quintana, Adrian Almeida, Gio Urshela

Notable Puerto Rican Icons: Carlos Delgado, Pudge Rodriguez, Roberto Alomar, Carlos Beltrán, Edgar Martinez

MLB Players: Aaron Judge, Cristopher Sánchez

WHAT:

Puerto Rico won their first game in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) against Colombia with a score of 5-0.

Puerto Rico scored five runs in the fifth inning, achieving five hits.

Edwin Díaz closed the game by striking out the side.

Dominican Republic defeated Nicaragua 12-3 in their first game of the WBC.

Junior Caminero hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning for the Dominican Republic.

Cristopher Sánchez made history as the first pitcher in WBC history to have a four-strikeout inning.

Puerto Rico's attendance at Estadio Hiram Bithorn was 18,793.

WHERE:

Estadio Hiram Bithorn, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Pool B and Pool D of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Houston and Miami

WHEN:

Puerto Rico's game against Colombia took place on March 6, 2026.

Dominican Republic's game against Nicaragua took place on March 6, 2026.

Next game for Puerto Rico is scheduled for March 7, 2026, against Panama.

Next game for Nicaragua is scheduled for March 7, 2026, against the Netherlands.

WHY:

Puerto Rico aimed to prove their capability to represent their baseball nation despite missing several high-profile players due to insurance issues and suspensions.

The Dominican Republic sought to showcase their talent and depth in the tournament.

HOW:

Puerto Rico's scoring in the fifth inning included key hits from Eddie Rosario and Willi Castro, along with an error from Colombia's Gio Urshela.

The Dominican Republic's offense was sparked by Junior Caminero's home run, followed by additional runs from Julio Rodríguez and Oneil Cruz in the eighth inning.

In an exciting start to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Puerto Rico secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Colombia at Estadio Hiram Bithorn on March 6, with Edwin Díaz closing the game by striking out the side. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic also had a strong showing, defeating Nicaragua 12-3, highlighted by Junior Caminero's two-run home run in the sixth inning. Both teams will be back in action today, as Puerto Rico faces Panama and Nicaragua takes on the Netherlands.