Dominican Republic dismantles Team Korea in WBC quarterfinal

Miami, Florida – The Dominican Republic showed why they are the favorites to win, run-ruling Team Korea 10-0 in the first quarterfinal of the WBC. Repeating the winning formula of attacking early and often, they chased away starting pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu, forcing the Koreans to dig into their bullpen early. Cristopher Sanchez got all the run support he needed, tossing five shutout innings, two-hitting the opposition, and striking out eight. Throwing 63 pitches (43 for strikes), Sanchez capped off his high-quality start with striking out the side in the fifth. Albert Abreu took over the rest of the way.

Juan Soto is showing off those fancy hands, avoiding the tag at the plate. Love these kinds of moves.#WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/JBH6Xz5W8D

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 13, 2026

Plátano Power did most of its damage in the third and fourth innings, causing the Koreans to burn through four arms in the former. Austin Wells then delivered the knockout blow after the seventh-inning stretch with a three-run homer, his second dinger of the tournament. Junior Caminero drew first blood for the Dominican Republic, doubling on a line drive to left field. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wheeled home and launched himself headfirst towards the plate, dodging the tag to make it 1-0. Caminero had advanced to third on the play, ultimately scoring on Julio Rodríguez’s grounder. Fernando Tatis Jr. kept up the pressure, plating Miami Marlins player Agustín Ramírez on an RBI single. The three-run attack knocked out Korea’s starting pitcher, replacing him with Kyung-Eun Noh.

Sanchez strikes out the side. The man is just bullying the Korean side. Through five frames, he's two-hitting Korea, complemented by 8 Ks. Fuego.#WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/YvXFM0bAcV

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 14, 2026

The onslaught continued in the third. Guerrero doubled to center, driving home Juan Soto, who avoided the catcher’s tag with a last-second sleight of hand. Korea challenged the play, but it was upheld. Manny Machado proceeded to make it 5-0 via an RBI base hit while Tatis and Ketel Marte drew the bases-loaded walks. When the dust settled, the Dominicans were in total control. Things calmed down until Wells was subbed in for Ramírez, finishing off the Koreans. Lastly, DR will play the United States on Sunday in the semi-final.

Game. Over.#WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/SUW2wGVeg2

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 14, 2026

Impressions

The Dominicans’ lineup was too powerful for Korea. In some ways, the result shouldn’t come as a surprise. I fully expected the Dominican Republic to advance, although I expected some fight from the Korean team until the middle innings. This became lopsided quickly. Sanchez should be the player of the game. The southpaw dominated. This is the most complete victory I’ve seen from DR yet. Furthermore, the Americans should be wary. Let the hype begin!

About Post Author

Gabriel Garcia

Just an avid sports fan who happens to have a love-hate (mostly love) relationship with his local teams be it collegiate or professional and also happens to be a news junkie. Mix in outstanding optimism with cold realism and you’ve got yourself a balanced cocktail perfect for champions.

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