Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Homers In Dominican Republic Win Over Netherlands

Sunday morning in loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins, was an exciting one as the Dominican Republic, which hit three homers, defeated the Netherlands by a final score of 12-1. Toronto Blue Jays star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was a big reason, driving in three runs.

Guerrero, who is participating in his first World Baseball Classic, took Netherlands pitcher Eric Mendez deep in the bottom of the third inning to extend the lead, 4-1. The ball left Guerrero's bat at 102.1 mph and went 381 feet to left field. He would finish the night going 2-4 with a home run and three RBI. He drove in the game's first run on an RBI single with a 106.6 mph exit velo.

"I feel super happy. When I was touching second base, I began to cry," Guerrero told reporters following the game. "This is just a thing that in this moment I look into the stands, and I see the fans, it's something that makes you want to come out and play, no matter in what mood you are."

The 26-year-old first baseman is coming off a 2025 season where he slashed .292/.381/.467/.848 with 23 home runs, 84 RBI, and a 137 wRC+ in 156 games played. In the postseason alone, he hit eight home runs and posted a 1.289 OPS in 18 games. The Blue Jays fell to the Dodgers in the World Series.

Guerrero revealed that he was under the weather, unsure if he would play on Sunday, but after looking at the Dominican Republic jersey, he felt like he had to play. "I need to play for my country. I give everything I have for my country, and I'd die on this field for them."

It's been just two games so far for the Dominican Republic, but their offense is 21-59 with six home runs, 17 walks, and they are posting a batting average of .356 with a .500 on-base percentage and a 1.212 OPS. They have scored a total of 22 runs.

The Dominican Republic will once again take the field on Monday in the noon game, this time against Israel, who will play Nicaragua on Sunday at 7:00 pm.

Kevin Barral is on-site in Miami covering the World Baseball Classic for DiamondCentric.