Collectively, the media is running out of words to describe Team DR. They are relentless, powerful, fast, fundamentally sound, and above all, exciting. In the media room, after facing Team DR, Team Israel manager Brad Ausmus was asked what it was like to play against a “PlayStation” team. Ausmus did not dispute that, “Yes, playing them is like playing a team you put together on MLB the Show to win every game.” He went on to say that you can’t make mistakes against their lineup. The data is there, and you can see where their hitter’s have trouble, but the window is very small, and you have to execute. You don’t have many chances against a guy like (Juan) Soto.
Following the victory, Team DR manager Albert Pujos was all business. He was happy to get guys like Oneil Cruz, Carlos Santana, and Augustín Ramirez a start in the tournament. He said communication is the key. He wants to let players know how they will be used so they can be ready. Ramirez will get another start against Venezuela on Wednesday night. Then Pujos will decide between Ramirez and Austin Wells, who caught the first two games. Pujos and Ausmus had positive comments about Team DR’s starting pitcher Brayan Bello. Ausmus was asked if he was surprised by Bello’s performance: 5 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 7 K, 0 BB. Ausmus said no. He is familiar with Bello from his time with the Yankees and considers him a very good major league pitcher. Pujos was pleased that Bello could stretch his start to five innings. The WBC presents pitch limits that often hamstring managers. Bello being able to go five innings on fewer than 65 pitches helped the team save some arms.
PUJOS NOT FOCUSED ON VENEZUELA, BUT EVERYONE ELSE IS
Following Team DR’s performance, several journalists asked about the mega-matchup against Venezuela on Wednesday night. Pujos wasn’t having it. He said his team is focused on winning the tournament, not the last pool-play game. He is aware of the hype surrounding the game. It seems he is trying to avoid the hysteria around what is sure to be the loudest and most active crowd of pool play.
Meanwhile, the players are cool and collected. They are having fun, kicking butt, taking names, and dancing all the way to the Quarterfinals.
TEAM VENEZUELA ALSO MOVES ON TO THE QUARTERFINALS - ISRAEL, NICARAGUA, AND NETHERLANDS ARE ELIMINATED
In a tournament with top-tier talent on every team, someone has to lose. In 2026, those teams are Israel, the Netherlands, and Nicaragua, in Pool D. In Pool C, Australia, Chinese Taipei, and Czechia are now eliminated, as Team Japan and Team Korea are moving on to the Quarterfinals.
The quarterfinals for Pool C and D will be in Miami, which means the Dominican and Venezuelan fans will meet Shohei and the Japanese fanbase later this week. I won’t be here, but I can only imagine the frenzy.
One more game to go for the BBM WBC Live Diary. I appreciate everyone who’s rocking with the Mixtape.