Fernando Tatis Jr.’s grand slam powers Dominican Republic past Israel, clinching 2026 WBC quarterfinal berth

Dominican Republic stays unbeaten as Tatis delivers six RBIs in 10-1 win in Miami

The Dominican Republic secured a place in the 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals on Monday, March 9, with a 10-1 victory over Israel at loanDepot park in Miami. San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. provided the decisive blow early, hitting a grand slam in the second inning and finishing with six runs batted in.

The game opened with pressure on Israel starter Ryan Prager, who worked into trouble and issued a bases-loaded walk to Geraldo Perdomo that forced in the first run. Moments later, Tatis turned the at-bat into a multi-run swing, launching a grand slam to left field that put the Dominican Republic ahead 5-0. He later added a two-run single in the seventh inning to complete his six-RBI night.

Tatis’ six RBIs matched the second-highest total recorded in a single World Baseball Classic game.

Pitching and power combine to keep Israel limited

Right-hander Bryan Bello earned the win for the Dominican Republic, working five innings while allowing one run on one hit. Israel’s lone scoring came on a fourth-inning solo home run by Spencer Horwitz. Bello struck out seven and did not issue a walk, limiting Israel’s opportunities to build innings.

Beyond Tatis’ grand slam, the Dominican lineup added impact power through Oneil Cruz, who hit a solo home run in the fourth inning. The Dominican Republic built separation with extra-base damage and situational hitting, while Israel struggled to generate sustained contact. Horwitz and Noah Mendlinger accounted for Israel’s hits, with the rest of the lineup held hitless.

Group D picture sharpens ahead of pool-deciding matchup

The result moved the Dominican Republic to 3-0 in Group D, placing it level with Venezuela at 3-0. Both teams clinched quarterfinal spots, and their upcoming head-to-head meeting will determine the group winner and shape the knockout-stage bracket.

• The Dominican Republic and Venezuela will play Wednesday night to decide the Group D winner.
• The Group D winner is set to face South Korea in a quarterfinal in Miami on Friday.
• The Group D runner-up is set to play Japan in Miami on Saturday.

For the Dominican Republic, the win combined early plate discipline with one swing that effectively defined the contest. For Israel, the loss left little margin in group play, as the club’s offense was limited to isolated power and could not keep pace once the game tilted heavily in the second inning.