Dominican Republic’s Austin Wells hits 3-run homer in 10-0 win
MIAMI — Austin Wells‘ solely swing of the bat put the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic document e-book and the semifinal spherical.
Wells hit a game-ending three-run homer in the seventh inning Friday evening that stopped the competition below a event rout rule because the Dominican Republic beat South Korea 10-0 to achieve the WBC semis.
Wells’ homer was the 14th for the Dominicans in the event, tying the document set by Mexico in 2009. Wells, who additionally homered in a 12-1 pool victory over the Netherlands on Sunday, drove a first-pitch cutter from Hyeong Jun So off the entrance of the second deck in proper.
“Trying to win today and be able to move to the next round was the goal,” Wells mentioned. “Being able to help out today and being part of it was a lot of fun. Definitely a special moment.”
With a lineup of stars together with Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr.Wells has shortly adjusted to the group. And when the star sluggers did their injury with out the lengthy ball towards South Korea, it was Wells who went deep.
The homer additionally tied Wells with Soto, Guerrero, Tatis, Junior Caminero and Oneil Cruz.
“The experience has been incredible. It’s been an unbelievable honor being able to represent my family and the country of the Dominican,” mentioned Wells, who was born in Arizona to a mom of Dominican descent. “It’s something that I’m never going to forget, and hopefully I’ll have the opportunity again.”
During their energy barrage by the primary 4 video games, the Dominicans have displayed viral-worthy bat flips and exuberant group celebrations once they full their trot across the bases. But Wells has been extra subdued.
“I haven’t been one for big bat flips in my career,” Wells mentioned. “I’m taking notes. A lot of the times, I just black out when I hit a home run. It’s been hard for me to show some sort of emotion. Maybe next time.”
The Dominicans reached the semifinal spherical for the primary time for the reason that event championship recreation in 2013. Now, they may have the chance to maneuver previous Mexico and declare the homer document as their very own — and transfer a step nearer to a different title — once they face the United States on Sunday in Miami.
“This is something special for us because we are a very united team, compact team,” Caminero mentioned. “You can feel the emotion, the energy in the clubhouse. We work as a team. This is something very special to us. Now we have to focus on the next rival on Sunday and to continue playing like we have been doing so far.”
