Dominican Republic unveils lineup for its debut against Nicaragua in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

MIAMI. — The Dominican Republic baseball team will begin its participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic this Friday, facing the Nicaragua baseball team at loanDepot park in Miami, in a match corresponding to Group D of the tournament.

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The match is scheduled for 7:00 PM (Eastern Time) and will be broadcast on FS2. The Dominican team arrives as one of the main favorites of the group and with the firm intention of leaving behind the early elimination suffered in the previous edition, seeking again the title of the prestigious international tournament. The team led by Albert Pujols will have a lineup loaded with Major League stars. The left-hander Cristopher Sánchez will be in charge of opening the game from the mound, in a bet by the Dominican manager for a young arm that has been showing consistency in major league baseball.

Dominican artillery ready to attack

The Quisqueyan offensive will be led by high-impact figures such as Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Manny Machado, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who are part of an offensive core considered among the most feared in the tournament. Also notable are names like "Julio Rodríguez", "Ketel Marte" and the young talent "Junior Caminero", which gives depth to a lineup designed to produce runs from the first innings. With several All-Star caliber players in the offensive order, the Dominican Republic will seek to impose its power from the start and mark territory in a group considered one of the most competitive in the tournament.

Nicaragua bets on surprise

For its part, Nicaragua arrives under the direction of the experienced Dusty Baker, who leads a team that combines youth with experienced players. Among their main offensive pieces are Mark Vientos, Cheslor Cuthbert, and Ismael Munguía, while their pitching staff includes experienced arms like Erasmo Ramírez and JC Ramírez. The Central American team will try to rely on its defense, speed, and pitching to stay in the game and try to surprise the Dominican team.

Dominican Republic Lineup

1. Fernando Tatis Jr. — RF
2. Juan Soto — LF
3. Manny Machado — 3B
4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — 1B
5. Julio Rodríguez — CF
6. Ketel Marte — 2B
7. Junior Caminero — DH
8. Agustín Ramírez — C
9. Jeremy Peña — SS
10. Cristopher Sánchez — P (starter)

Nicaragua's Lineup

1. Ismael Munguía — CF
2. Jeter Downs — 2B
3. Mark Vientos — 3B
4. Cheslor Cuthbert — DH
5. Freddy Zamora — SS
6. Juan Diego Montes — RF
7. Chase Dawson — LF
8. Melvin Novoa — C
9. Brandon Leyton — 1B

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