Junior Caminero's two-run homer in the sixth inning broke a tie, propelling the Dominican Republic to a 12-3 victory over Nicaragua in their Pool D opener at loanDepot Park in Miami. Julio Rodríguez and Oneil Cruz added home runs in a six-run eighth inning to seal the win. The game featured an electric atmosphere with strong fan support from both nations.
The Dominican Republic started the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a decisive win over Nicaragua in Pool D play on Friday night at loanDepot Park. Nicaragua took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Ismael Munguia's RBI single scored a runner after starter Cristopher Sánchez issued a strikeout/wild pitch, a single, and a walk to load the bases. However, Sánchez struck out the next three batters, achieving a rare four-strikeout inning—the first in WBC history—escaping the jam with only one run allowed.
Ketel Marte's RBI double and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s groundout tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the first for the Dominicans. Nicaragua regained the lead at 3-2 in the second with RBI contributions from Freddy Zamora and Chase Dawson, prompting Sánchez's early exit after 1 1/3 innings, where he allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk.
Julio Rodríguez evened the score with an RBI single in the third, and the bullpens kept the game scoreless through the fourth and fifth innings, building tension in the packed stadium. Manny Machado doubled to lead off the sixth against reliever Stiven Cruz, setting up Caminero's 414-foot two-run homer to center, giving the Dominican Republic a 5-3 advantage. Caminero, a 22-year-old Rays slugger, celebrated emotionally, receiving the team's custom home run jacket amid cheers from thousands of Dominican fans.
Guerrero Jr. added a sacrifice fly in the seventh, and the eighth inning exploded with Rodríguez's leadoff homer and Cruz's three-run shot, part of a six-run outburst. Seven Dominican relievers combined for 7 2/3 scoreless innings after Sánchez.
Dominican manager Albert Pujols praised Caminero's poise: “The best thing about Junior Caminero is that he's not afraid of this moment; he loves this spot.” Nicaragua's Dusty Baker noted the opponent's power: “That was a good game for five innings... The big bats that they have over there, they woke up.” Nicaragua faces the Netherlands on Saturday, while the Dominican Republic rests before playing them Sunday.
