In the final Pool D matchup of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, undefeated Dominican Republic and Venezuela face off Wednesday night at loanDepot park in Miami to determine first place. Both teams have clinched quarterfinal berths, but the winner will advance to face Korea while the loser draws defending champion Japan. Star pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Eduardo Rodriguez take the mound for a rivalry renewed since Venezuela's 2023 upset.
Pool D of the 2026 World Baseball Classic culminates with a high-stakes clash between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, both entering with 3-0 records after dominant pool play. The game, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at loanDepot park, will decide seeding for the quarterfinals starting Friday in Miami. The victor secures a matchup against Pool C runner-up Korea on Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET, while the runner-up confronts Japan, the 2023 champions, on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET.
The Dominican Republic has powered through the tournament with offensive fireworks, scoring double-digit runs in each game: 12-3 over Nicaragua, 12-1 against the Netherlands, and 10-1 versus Israel. They lead the field with nine home runs, including contributions from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Julio Rodríguez, Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and others. Venezuela has been equally impressive, shutting out Nicaragua 4-0 and winning 6-2 over the Netherlands and 11-3 against Israel. Standouts include Luis Arraez (6-for-11, two home runs) and Ronald Acuña Jr. (4-for-10, one home run).
Sandy Alcantara starts for the Dominican Republic, dismissing talk of revenge for their 2023 pool-play loss to Venezuela. "I don't see it as revenge," Alcantara said. "This is a very short tournament. We lost the previous Classic. We did our best, but we couldn't be successful. On Wednesday, we will be able to go out to the field and fight from the very first pitch, and may the best team win."
Venezuela's Eduardo Rodriguez counters on the mound. The teams have met five times in prior Classics, with the Dominican Republic holding a 4-1 edge before Venezuela's 5-1 victory in 2023. Both rosters boast MLB talent, including Manny Machado and Salvador Perez. Early action saw Juan Soto homer for a 2-0 Dominican lead in the first inning, setting an electric tone amid passionate fan support in Miami.
The matchup promises intensity, with the Dominican Republic batting .319 and Venezuela .297, both ranking among the tournament's top offenses.
