Israel Live Today: Dominican Republic Shows Its Dominance in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Today live from Miami, the Dominican Republic completed a new display of strength against Israel at LoanDepot Park, firmly securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. With this decisive result, the Dominicans maintain their undefeated record in Group D and strengthen their position for the upcoming tournament matches.

The decisive break in the second inning

The game was decided early when, with the bases loaded in the second inning, a walk drove in the first run for the Caribbean team. However, the moment that changed everything came afterward: Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a grand slam to left field that traveled approximately 400 feet, igniting the excitement of the Dominican crowd gathered in Miami and putting the score at 5-0. This hit immediately revealed the difference in caliber between the two lineups.

Dominican power showcase

The fourth inning amplified the Caribbean team’s superiority when Oneil Cruz added his own contribution with a solo home run to right-center, extending the lead to 6-0 and confirming the technical disparity on the field.

Israel managed a partial response with a home run by Spencer Horwitz in the same inning, but it was just a brief moment of resistance in a game that was decided very early. The final score of 10-1 accurately reflected the power gap between the two teams.

Consistent pitching performance

On the mound, Brayan Bello once again demonstrated his reliability, supported by a bullpen that extended the dominant streak the Dominican Republic has shown in its first tournament games. On the other side, Israel’s pitching staff never found consistency against a lineup that, besides Tatis Jr. and Cruz, features players like Juan Soto, Manny Machado, and Carlos Santana.

Overcoming Israel, facing Venezuela next

For Israel, this loss confirms that although recent editions have built a competitive profile capable of challenging more traditional teams, the gap becomes evident against elite opponents like the Dominican Republic.

Managed by Albert Pujols, the team arrives with a 2-0 record, and this victory practically guarantees their mathematical qualification to the next phase. Now all eyes are on the final game against Venezuela on March 11, a match that could determine the undisputed leadership of Group D in the World Classic.

Upcoming Dominican Republic matches

• March 8, 12:00 p.m.: Netherlands vs. Dominican Republic (FOX)
• March 11, 8:00 p.m.: Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela (FS1)