Ozzie Albies could not have wrote a better script. The Netherlands were down to their last out. They were down by 2 runs with two runners on base. Ozzie strides to the plate in his left-handed stance. But wait, there is a base open, will old-vet Dusty Baker consider walking Albies to load the bases? Does Baker consider turning the switch-hitting Albies to the right side (historically his much stronger side), or does the future Hall of Fame manager Baker just let it ride. Baker, showing confidence in right handed pitcher Angel Obando, elected to ride it out. It proved to be a costly decision. “I thought he would walk me,” Albies said in the post game press conference. “When he elected to pitch to me, I just wanted to get a good swing on the ball,” he went on to say. Albies got a good swing and when the ball landed, the Netherlands had won the game 4-3. The celebration was electric on the field, but the stands told a different story. The 90% pro-Nicaragua crowd was stunned. The collected heart of a nation ripped out in one swing.
With two games played Dusty Baker’s Nicaragua team is 0-2. They fought hard against the powerful Dominican Republic Friday night, but ultimately, accepted a lopsided loss. This afternoon was supposed to be different. With an objective review of the team rosters, most analysts would consider the Netherlands a more talented team than Nicaragua, but the Nicaragua team had a secret weapon that no one could predict. One of the best, and most raucous crowds in Miami. The Nicaragua crowd went toe-to-toe with the Dominican crowd for nine innings Friday night, and while the team fell short, the crowd did not. It was the crowd that was moving Nicaragua to the finish line and their first victory of pool play, until it didn’t.
After the game, the Netherlands’ vibe was more of relief than joy. Netherlands manager, ‘26 Hall of Fame Selectee, Andruw Jones was adamant that their team still has a lot of things they need to clean up, especially with a noon game against the Dominican Republic on Sunday. Since arriving in Miami, Jones has said his team is playing to win, and not just a few games, the entire tournament. Winning against Nicaragua does not put the Netherlands in the diver’s seat, but it does hold of potential elimination for now.
NICARAGUA’S FANS HAVE EMPTIED THE TEAM STORE
I went to the massive World Baseball Classic Team Store this morning, hoping to get a Nicaragua hat for my WBC collection. I have been so impressed by their fans, that I had to pay homage with a 2026 WBC New Era 59fifty fitted. There was only one problem — all the Nicaragua hats were sold out. Not only were the hats sold out, the shirts were sold out. Just about every WBC item featuring Team Nicaragua was sold out. I was shocked. I then went online to see if there were any there, there was not. Not only has Nicaragua fan’s surprised me in the stand, apparently they surprised whomever is responsible for stocking their merch, because it’s all gone.
A BETTER LOOK AT TEAM DR’S AVIREX-STYLE HOME RUN JACKET
You know my style, son. You know what I been on. This is 90’s NYC - 8-Ball, Avirex style if I’ve ever seen it. Team DR can’t fool me. I’ve been around the block. I’ve LIVED this (ha).
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