#dominican_republic

Johnny Depp Launches Caribbean Rum Brand Three Hearts with Personal Touches Johnny Depp has officially entered the spirits industry with the launch of his Caribbean rum brand, Three Hearts. The actor, known for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, has partnered with longtime friend Bobby DeLeon to create a rum inspired by his deep connection to the Caribbean. The brand, which blends Depp’s personal history with the region, marks his latest venture into creative projects beyond film. Three Hearts Rum is crafted in a distillery in the Dominican Republic, where the liquid is aged for five years in ex-bourbon barrels before being re-casked for an additional two years in former cognac barrels. This aging process contributes to the rum’s complex flavor profile, which DeLeon described as having notes of sticky toffee, wood, spices, candied orange, and vanilla. The brand’s design reflects Depp’s artistic flair and personal symbolism, with the bottle itself serving as a canvas for his creativity. The bottle’s shape and illustrations were sketched by Depp, incorporating elements from his tattoos and personal tributes. The design features a skull, a lightning bolt, and three hearts, which represent his ex-wife Vanessa Paradis and his two children, Lily-Rose Depp and Jack Depp. The top of the bottle includes a bracelet-style charm, while the base bears the brand’s motto: “No Fear. No Malice. No Envy.” This phrase, which Depp has used in past interviews, underscores the brand’s ethos and aligns with his public persona. Depp’s foray into spirits joins a growing list of celebrities in the industry, including Beyoncé (SirDavis Whisky), Margot Robbie (Papa Salt Coastal gin), Brad Pitt (The Gardener Gin), Ryan Reynolds (Aviation Gin), and George Clooney (Casamigos Tequila).#dominican_republic #johnny_depp #bobby_deleon #three_hearts #vanessa_paradis

Why this picture of Kristi Noem is causing a stir Kristi Noem, the South Dakota governor and newly appointed special envoy for "The Shield of Americas," has drawn significant attention after a recent photo surfaced showing her closely interacting with her adviser, Corey Lewandowski, during an official trip to South America. The image, which has sparked widespread discussion, has reignited allegations that the two are engaged in a taxpayer-funded affair, despite both being married and having previously denied such claims. The controversy centers on Noem’s recent diplomatic mission, which included stops in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guyana. The trip was part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening security efforts against drug cartels in the region. However, the use of a Homeland Security Department plane for the journey has raised questions about the appropriateness of the funding, as Lewandowski is not a State Department employee. Critics argue that taxpayer money should not be used to support personal relationships, especially when the individuals involved are already in positions of public trust. The photo in question, which appears to show Noem and Lewandowski in close proximity during the trip, has been widely circulated online. While the exact context of their interaction remains unclear, the image has been interpreted by some as evidence of a romantic relationship. This has led to renewed scrutiny of both individuals, particularly given the timing of the trip and the public nature of their roles. Noem, who has previously faced criticism for her handling of state funds, is now under additional pressure as the allegations resurface.#dominican_republic #kristi_noem #south_dakota #corey_lewandowski #homeland_security_department

British Airways Expands Caribbean Routes to Boost Tourism As winter approaches, British Airways is set to significantly enhance its Caribbean travel offerings, introducing new routes and increased flight frequencies to key destinations across the region. The airline’s expansion aims to meet rising seasonal demand, providing travelers with greater flexibility and options for winter vacations. The new services include routes to Barbados, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, St Lucia, and other Caribbean islands, reinforcing the region’s appeal as a premier tourist destination. The airline’s strategic move focuses on strengthening connectivity between the UK and the Caribbean, with a particular emphasis on popular and emerging destinations. For instance, British Airways is launching daily non-stop flights from London to St Lucia’s Hewanorra, offering travelers more convenient access to the island’s cultural and natural attractions. Similarly, the airline is increasing flight frequencies to Jamaica’s Kingston, with four weekly departures from London Gatwick. This expansion allows for more flexibility in planning trips to Jamaica, where visitors can explore iconic sites like the Blue Mountains and the island’s scenic north coast. A major highlight of the expansion is the enhanced service to Barbados, which remains a central hub in British Airways’ Caribbean network. The airline’s new route from Gatwick includes tag flights to Grenada, Guyana, and Tobago, enabling travelers to seamlessly connect to these destinations without changing planes. This multi-stop option simplifies island-hopping itineraries, making it easier for visitors to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of the southern Caribbean.#dominican_republic #jamaica #british_airways #barbados #st_lucia

USA Advances to WBC Championship After Controversial Call, Italy & Venezuela Fight for Finals Bid The United States secured its place in the World Baseball Classic championship game for the third consecutive tournament, thanks to a dramatic 2–1 victory over the Dominican Republic. The decisive moment came in the ninth inning when a controversial strike three call ended the game, sparking debate among players and fans. Despite the Dominican Republic’s high-octane offense, the U.S. team’s dominant pitching, led by Paul Skenes, and a resilient bullpen held them in check throughout the contest. The matchup, hailed as one of the most star-studded games in WBC history, was marked by intense competition. The U.S. lineup, featuring top-tier talent, managed to outlast the DR’s explosive attack, which had been a major threat throughout the tournament. Skenes’ performance was pivotal, as he combined with a strong bullpen to limit the DR’s scoring opportunities. However, the game’s conclusion remains contentious, with Dominican Republic players and fans expressing frustration over the final call. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for improved umpiring protocols, including the potential implementation of automatic ball-strike technology, which could be introduced in future tournaments. As the tournament progresses, the semifinal showdown between Italy and Venezuela will determine the final opponent for the United States in the championship. Both teams have shown resilience, with Venezuela upsetting Japan in the quarterfinals and Italy advancing through a tough path. Analysts note that Venezuela’s victory over Japan was not entirely unexpected, given their strong performance and depth.#united_states #venezuela #dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #paul_skenes

USA-Dominican Republic game sets World Baseball Classic record The semifinal matchup between the United States and the Dominican Republic on Sunday broke the viewership record for the World Baseball Classic. The game, held at loanDepot park in Miami, drew an audience of 7.369 million viewers, marking the most-watched broadcast in the tournament’s history. The event was broadcast on FS1 and FOX Deportes, with FS1 alone attracting 6.864 million viewers, the highest number for the network since 2019. This game also became the most-watched sporting event of the weekend. Viewership reached its peak during the final moments of the game, with 8.170 million people tuning in to FS1 between 11 p.m. ET and 11:08 p.m. ET. This surge in viewership coincided with Team USA securing its third consecutive trip to the WBC championship game. The thrilling 2-1 victory highlighted the intense competition and global appeal of the tournament, solidifying its status as a premier international baseball event.#loandepot_park #dominican_republic #fox_deportes #usa #fs1

Dominican Republic and Venezuela Celebrate Historic Qualification for LA28 Olympic Games The Dominican Republic and Venezuela have become the first teams across all sports to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone in Olympic history. Their advancement to the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic secured their spots in the LA28 program, which features 36 sports and 51 disciplines. This achievement highlights the competitive nature of baseball and its role in paving the way for other sports to follow suit. The Dominican Republic, a two-time world champion, secured its qualification with a dominant 10–0 victory over South Korea in the quarterfinals. The win was celebrated as a historic moment for the nation, with players and fans expressing pride in their representation. Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodríguez, who helped the team win bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, described the atmosphere as "the most electric game" he had ever been part of. He emphasized the emotional weight of competing for his country, stating, "This is for my country, my town, my neighborhood, and everyone in the Dominican Republic." Manager Albert Pujols, a former MLB legend who never played in the Olympics, echoed this sentiment, calling it "a privilege and a responsibility we carry with great pride." Venezuela, a three-time world champion, followed suit with a landmark victory over Japan, the defending world champions, in the quarterfinals. This win marked the first time Venezuela would compete in Olympic baseball, a moment described by manager Omar López as "historic." President of the Venezuelan Baseball Federation, Aracelis León, highlighted the cultural significance of baseball in her country, stating it "means identity, family, unity, ethics, and national pride.#venezuela #dominican_republic #los_angeles_2028 #julio_rodriguez #albert_pujols

Will Smith vs Cal Raleigh: Who is the Better WBC Catcher? MIAMI, FL — Sunday night, the United States delivered a commanding performance in the World Baseball Classic, overcoming a Dominican Republic team that had dominated the tournament with its offensive firepower. However, the DR’s offensive strength was stifled by the U.S. pitching staff, led by a standout game from Dodgers catcher Will Smith. Despite the DR’s usual offensive prowess, their ability to score was limited to just one run, while the U.S. managed two, showcasing the effectiveness of the pitching rotation and Smith’s leadership behind the plate. Smith’s preparation for the Dominican Republic was evident in his approach to the game. Recognizing the threat posed by sluggers like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado, Smith devised a defensive strategy focused on inducing swings and misses. Over half of the pitches thrown in the game were outside the strike zone, with a significant number coming up and in at the hands of batters. This tactic forced the aggressive DR hitters to chase pitches, resulting in nearly 63% of their strikeouts occurring low and outside against right-handed batters. The strategy proved successful, as the DR’s offensive output was severely curtailed, highlighting Smith’s ability to control the game through his catching decisions. Comparing Smith’s performance to his teammate Cal Raleigh reveals a clear advantage for the veteran catcher. While Smith has only played in three of Team USA’s six games, he has posted a .300 batting average and a .785 OPS. His offensive contributions would have been even more impressive if not for a controversial play in the game against Great Britain, where a spectacular catch by Trayce Thompson robbed him of a potential home run.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #mark_derosa #cal_raleigh #will_smith

Red Sox star's game-winning homer sends USA to World Baseball Classic final Team USA’s roster is packed with seasoned stars, but it was their youngest player who delivered the decisive moment in the World Baseball Classic semifinal, sending the team to the final with a dramatic home run. Roman Anthony, a 21-year-old phenom with the Boston Red Sox, hit a 421-foot solo shot to center field in the top of the fourth inning against the Dominican Republic’s Gregory Soto. The blast gave Team USA their first lead of the game and ultimately secured a 2-1 victory, advancing them to the tournament’s championship matchup for the third time in history. Anthony’s home run came with one out in the fourth, setting the stage for a tense showdown. The run proved to be the game’s deciding factor, as the U.S. held off the Dominican Republic’s late rally. After the game, Anthony described the moment as surreal, telling FOX Sports’ postgame show that he “kind of just blacked out” while hitting the ball. “I was, in my head (saying to the ball), ‘Just please go, please go,’” he said, reflecting on the pressure of the moment. Anthony’s performance in the tournament has been impressive, with a .318 batting average and a 1.014 OPS in six games. He has joined a select group of players under 22 who have hit home runs in this year’s WBC, with seven such players already in the tournament. His inclusion in the U.S. team came unexpectedly in mid-February when Arizona Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll was forced to withdraw due to a broken hamate bone. Anthony, who had just begun his major league career, was called up to fill the spot. “I didn’t expect to be here,” Anthony said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. “Going into spring training, I thought I’d be in Fort Myers all season.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #boston_red_sox #roman_anthony #derek_jeter

World Baseball Classic Final Four Set After Japan's Exit The World Baseball Classic has entered its final four teams after Japan's elimination in the quarterfinals, with Italy and Venezuela advancing to the semifinals in Miami. Defending champion Japan fell to Venezuela in a thrilling matchup, while Italy continued its unexpected run by defeating Puerto Rico. The semifinals will feature Italy vs. Venezuela on Monday and the United States vs. Dominican Republic on Sunday, setting the stage for the championship game. Italy's journey to the semifinals was marked by a dramatic 8-6 victory over Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals. The Azzurri, known for their high-powered offense, held off a late rally by the Puerto Ricans to secure their place in the final four. Manager Francisco Cervelli praised the team's resilience, calling it "one of the best chapters of my life." Italy's success continued after earlier defeating the United States and Mexico, with their offensive prowess highlighted by a dozen home runs in their first four games. Despite not hitting a home run in their latest win, the team's ability to deliver under pressure solidified their position in the tournament. Japan's exit came in a high-scoring clash against Venezuela, where the defending champions were outslugged by the South American squad. The game featured four home runs, with Venezuela's Maikel Garcia and Wilyer Abreu hitting key three-run shots to secure the victory. Japan's Shota Morishita and Teruaki Sato contributed with a three-run homer and an RBI double, respectively, but Venezuela's offensive surge proved too much. The loss ended Japan's reign as champions, with Venezuela now set to face Italy in the semifinals.#united_states #venezuela #dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #italy

Manny Machado blasts media for skipping Dominican Republic’s WBC practice Manny Machado expressed frustration during a morning workout session, criticizing the media for skipping the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic (WBC) practice. The veteran third baseman pointed to the empty stands where reporters typically gather during such sessions, stating, “Look around, no meetings, hardly anybody around. They don’t want to get up early, but they will roll up asking me questions later. Not a single person here. Don’t come sweating me later.” Machado argued that the absence of reporters during practice sessions deprives them of valuable insight into how teams prepare for games. He emphasized that this lack of coverage could lead to incomplete or inaccurate portrayals of a team’s strategies and efforts. The player acknowledged the few journalists who attended the early workout, suggesting they deserve priority access to interviews and postgame discussions due to their consistent presence during the tournament. The incident highlights the growing tension between athletes and media, particularly in high-stakes international competitions. Machado’s comments underscore the importance of on-site reporting in capturing the nuances of team preparation, which he believes are often overlooked when journalists opt for convenience over diligence. His remarks also reflect a broader critique of media habits, where the pursuit of timely stories sometimes overshadows the need for in-depth, real-time coverage. The Dominican Republic’s participation in the WBC has been a focal point of interest, with fans and analysts eager to see how the team adapts to the challenges of the tournament.#media #dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #manny_machado #journalists

Dominican Republic Third Baseman Manny Machado Shines in World Baseball Classic Manny Machado, the 33-year-old third baseman for the San Diego Padres, has enjoyed a distinguished 14-year Major League Baseball career marked by impressive statistics and accolades. Through his time in the majors, Machado has compiled a .279/.338/.486 slash line with an OPS of .824, along with 369 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, and 113 stolen bases in 1,894 games. His achievements include seven All-Star selections, three Silver Slugger Awards, two Gold Gloves, and one Platinum Glove. This spring, Machado is representing the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where the team has made a strong start in Pool D. The Dominican Republic has secured victories in its first two games, including a 12-1 mercy rule win over the Netherlands on Sunday. Machado has contributed significantly to the team’s success, going 3-for-6 at the plate with three walks and two runs scored in the tournament. His defensive skills have also been on full display, particularly during a standout performance against Nicaragua. Machado’s pregame demeanor has sparked some controversy. Before the Dominican Republic’s game against the Netherlands, he was seen in the dugout expressing frustration over the lack of media attention. “Look around, no meetings here, barely any people. They don’t want to wake up early but they’ll roll up asking me questions later. Not a single person here. Don’t come sweating me later,” he remarked. Fans have responded with mixed reactions, with some criticizing his attitude and others questioning his focus. The Dominican Republic will next face Israel on Monday at noon ET in Miami, with the game broadcast on FS1.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #manny_machado #san_diego_padres #fs1

2026 World Baseball Classic Bracket, Schedule, Standings The World Baseball Classic has moved into its knockout phase, with several teams securing their quarterfinal berths. Japan and Korea have already advanced from Pool C, while the Dominican Republic and Venezuela have claimed their spots in the quarterfinals from Pool D. Four remaining teams—two from Pool A and two from Pool B—will compete for the final four knockout round slots. In Pool A, Puerto Rico and Canada have emerged as the top contenders. Puerto Rico defeated Colombia 5-0 and Cuba 4-1, while Canada routed Colombia 8-2 and narrowly edged Panama 4-3. The remaining games in Pool A will determine the final two teams to advance. On March 10, Canada faces Puerto Rico at 7 p.m. ET on Tubi, with a potential matchup against Cuba on March 11 at 3 p.m. ET on FS2. Pool B has seen the United States dominate, with a 15-5 victory over Brazil and a 9-1 win against Great Britain. Mexico also advanced with a 8-2 win over Great Britain and a 5-3 victory over the U.S. The final games in Pool B will feature Italy, which defeated Great Britain 7-4 and Brazil 5-2, against the U.S. on March 10 at 9 p.m. ET on FS1, followed by a matchup against Mexico on March 11 at 7 p.m. ET on Tubi. In Pool C, Japan and Korea secured their spots, with Japan defeating Chinese Taipei 13-0 and Korea edging Chinese Taipei 5-4. The remaining teams in the pool, Australia and Czechia, will face off on March 10 at 6 a.m. ET on FS1. Pool D has been a showcase of power, with the Dominican Republic sweeping all its games, including a 12-3 win over Nicaragua and a 10-1 victory over Israel. Venezuela also advanced with a 11-3 win over Israel and a 4-0 shutout of Nicaragua. The final games in Pool D will see Israel face the Netherlands on March 10 at 7 p.m.#united_states #dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #puerto_rico #canada

Dominican Republic hits four HRs in WBC rout of Netherlands The Dominican Republic dominated the Netherlands with a 12-1 victory in seven innings Sunday, securing a double-digit lead that triggered the mercy rule in the World Baseball Classic. Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero, and Austin Wells each hit home runs, propelling the Dominican team to a commanding win in Group D play. The game concluded in the bottom of the seventh when Soto’s two-run blast extended the Dominican Republic’s lead to 12-1, marking the third instance of a mercy rule ending in the tournament. The Dominicans outscored their opponents 24-4 in their first two games at loanDepot Park, showcasing their offensive prowess. Starter Luis Severino pitched four innings, allowing one run and three hits while striking out five. The team’s offensive surge began in the fifth inning, where Caminero hit a three-run homer and Wells added a two-run blast. Marte’s sacrifice fly further expanded the lead to 10-1. Caminero’s second home run of the tournament reached an exit velocity of 115.8 mph, highlighting his power. The Dominican Republic struck early in the first inning, capitalizing on a two-run opportunity against Netherlands starter Arij Fransen. Guerrero’s RBI single and Marte’s unearned run from third on a throwing error by Xander Bogaerts gave the Dominicans an early 2-0 lead. Didi Gregorius narrowed the gap for the Netherlands with a solo homer in the second inning, but Guerrero’s two-run drive in the third made it 4-1. The Netherlands’ struggles continued as the Dominican Republic’s offense kept churning out runs. The team’s ability to capitalize on scoring chances and defensive errors proved decisive in the rout.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #juan_soto #vladimir_guerrero_jr #junior_caminero

Mets’ Juan Soto reflects on hitting game-ending homer in Dominican Republic’s win over Netherlands Juan Soto of the New York Mets took pride in his game-winning home run during the Dominican Republic’s victory over the Netherlands in an international exhibition match. The moment, which secured a crucial win for his national team, marked a significant milestone in Soto’s career. Speaking about the achievement, Soto described it as “one of the most important and beautiful times in my career,” highlighting the emotional weight of the moment. The home run came in a pivotal moment of the game, with the Dominican Republic trailing in the late innings. Soto’s clutch hit not only tied the game but ultimately propelled his team to victory. The win was particularly meaningful for the Dominican Republic, as it showcased their competitive spirit on the global stage. Soto’s performance underscored his ability to deliver under pressure, a trait that has defined his career in Major League Baseball. Soto’s reflection on the moment emphasized the blend of personal achievement and team success. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the pride that comes with contributing to a collective victory. The game also served as a platform for Soto to connect with fans and teammates, reinforcing the camaraderie that defines international competition. The Dominican Republic’s win over the Netherlands was a testament to the team’s preparation and resilience. Soto’s home run became a focal point of the celebration, symbolizing the blend of skill, strategy, and determination that characterized the match. For Soto, the moment was a reminder of the impact athletes can have beyond the field, inspiring fans and fellow players alike.#netherlands #dominican_republic #juan_soto #new_york_mets #international_exhibition_match

Austin Wells Represents Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic Despite U.S. Roots The Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic roster features one of the most formidable lineups in tournament history, with standout players like Geraldo Perdomo, a potential NL MVP candidate, batting ninth in their opening game. Central to this lineup is New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells, who has emerged as a key starter for the Dominican team despite being born and raised in Arizona. His inclusion highlights the complexities of international eligibility rules and his deep personal ties to the nation. Wells’ connection to the Dominican Republic stems from his mother, Michelle, whose parents were born in the country. Under the World Baseball Classic’s eligibility guidelines, players can represent a nation if at least one parent was a citizen, regardless of whether they lived there or held a passport. This provision allowed Wells to compete for the Dominican Republic, even though he is not a citizen and has never resided in the country. The same rule applies to other athletes, such as Nolan Arenado, who played for Puerto Rico due to his mother’s heritage, and Marcus Stroman, who represented Puerto Rico after previously playing for Team USA. While the WBC’s rules permit players to qualify through family ties, the process is not automatic. Players must demonstrate their eligibility, and not all athletes meet the criteria. For instance, Aroldis Chapman failed to qualify for Great Britain despite his family connections. Wells, however, meets the requirements, and his participation adds intrigue to the Dominican Republic’s championship aspirations. Wells expressed enthusiasm about representing his mother’s heritage, noting that his family still resides in the Dominican Republic.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #austin_wells #gerald_perdomo #michelle

Why Austin Wells is playing for Dominican Republic in the WBC The Dominican Republic has added a notable name to its 2026 World Baseball Classic roster: Austin Wells, the New York Yankees’ catcher. While Wells may not immediately appear to be of Dominican descent, his eligibility stems from his family heritage. The WBC’s rules allow players to represent a country if they have at least one ancestor from that nation, and Wells qualifies through his mother’s lineage. Wells’ mother, Michelle, is Dominican, with both her parents originating from the Dominican Republic. This connection grants him the right to compete for Team D.R., despite being born in Scottsdale, Arizona. He attended high school in Las Vegas at Bishop Gorman High School before playing collegiately at the University of Arizona, where his father, Greg, was a baseball player and Michelle was a gymnast. Their meeting at the university laid the foundation for their family, which now includes Wells. Although Wells is not from the Dominican Republic, his heritage aligns with the tournament’s eligibility criteria. The WBC allows players to represent a country if they have a direct familial link, and Wells’ mother’s roots satisfy that requirement. This makes him a unique addition to the Dominican Republic’s roster, which is already stacked with star players. The decision to include Wells highlights how the WBC’s rules enable athletes to honor their cultural backgrounds. While he will not be representing his birthplace, he is choosing to showcase his family’s heritage on the global stage. This underscores the tournament’s role in celebrating diverse baseball talent from around the world.#dominican_republic #austin_wells #new_york_yankees #michelle_wells #bishop_gorman_high_school

Israel vs. Venezuela World Baseball Classic Match on March 7 The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature a matchup between Israel and Venezuela on Saturday, March 7, at LoanDepot Park in Miami. The game will be broadcast live, with viewers able to stream the action via the FOX One App. The event is part of the tournament’s pool play stage, which runs from March 4 to March 11. The tournament is divided into four regional pools, with teams competing against others in their group. Israel and Venezuela are both in Pool D, which includes the Netherlands, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Each team plays one game against every other team in their pool. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds, which begin on March 13. The tournament’s structure includes a re-seeding process after the quarterfinals to determine which teams progress to the semifinals. Teams tied in the standings are ranked using specific criteria, such as the results of head-to-head matchups, batting averages, and defensive performance metrics. The final championship game is scheduled for March 17 in Miami. Pool play games will take place from March 4 to March 11, with the quarterfinals starting on March 13. Semifinals are set for March 15, leading up to the championship on March 17. The tournament’s format emphasizes regional competition before advancing to a single-elimination stage. The Israel vs. Venezuela game is a key matchup in Pool D, with both teams vying for a spot in the knockout rounds. The outcome of their match will influence their path to the later stages of the tournament. The event is expected to draw significant attention from fans of both teams and baseball enthusiasts worldwide.#israel #venezuela #loandepot_park #dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic

Venezuela vs Netherlands WBC live score, lineups, how to watch on Tubi Two teams with strong hopes of advancing from Pool D of the 2026 World Baseball Classic will face off in their opening match on March 6 in Miami. Venezuela and the Netherlands, both with past WBC success, are vying for the second spot in the group, as the Dominican Republic remains the dominant force in the pool. A win for either team would position them favorably for a quarterfinal berth, though the Netherlands faces a significant challenge after losing versatile leadoff man Jurickson Profar to a second positive drug test. Despite the setback, the Netherlands squad still boasts talent, including Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddane Rafaela and San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who is set to play in his fourth WBC. Venezuela, meanwhile, features Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr. and three-time batting champion Luis Arráez, along with veteran sluggers Salvador Pérez and Willson Contreras. Both teams aim to avoid early elimination by defeating Israel and Nicaragua in the group. The Netherlands lineup includes Chadwick Tromp behind the plate, with Sharlon Schoop at first base and Didi Gregorius at third. Xander Bogaerts and Ceddane Rafaela anchor the infield, while Ray-Patrick Didder starts in left field. Venezuela’s lineup features Ronald Acuña Jr. in right field, with Luis Arráez and Willson Contreras forming a powerful middle of the order. Javier Sanoja, a Miami Marlins utilityman, provided an unexpected spark with a solo home run in the second inning, giving Venezuela a 2-1 lead. The Netherlands’ starter, Antwone Kelly, held his own against Ranger Suárez, completing three innings before Ryjteri Merite, a Reds prospect, pitched a scoreless fourth. Venezuela’s bullpen, including Eduard Bazardo and Luinder Ávila, kept the lead intact through the fifth.#venezuela #miami #netherlands #dominican_republic #curacao