WBC 2026: Soto Calls Game With HR as D.R. Run-Rules Netherlands 12-1

Juan Soto's seventh-inning home run ended the game early: the Dominican Republic beat the Netherlands 12-1 in Pool D on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami, with the WBC rule that calls a game when a team leads by 10+ runs after the seventh. Soto had asked manager Albert Pujols to leave him in—"No, let me hit"—and with two outs and a runner on first he launched the first pitch into the seats in right-center, then pointed to the dugout as if to say "I told you so." Pujols said: "No matter if you win by one run or by knockout, the most important thing is to win the game. We have a very good team with a great offense."

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s two-run blast in the third gave the D.R. early breathing room (and set off the team's home run jacket celebration). Junior Caminero (second homer in two games) crushed a 3-1 pitch from Wendell Floranus 424 feet to left—115.8 mph off the bat, the second-hardest homer in the past two Classics behind Oneil Cruz's 116.8 on Friday—and Austin Wells added a two-run homer in a six-run fifth that broke the game open; Ketel Marte's sac fly capped the inning. Luis Severino allowed one run over four innings (the blemish: Didi Gregorius' homer, his former Yankees teammate). The Netherlands issued 11 walks; Andruw Jones said: "I have seen so many good lineups, but this kind of lineup in a Classic? Wow, that's too much. From the first all the way down to the ninth, they can hit a homer." The D.R. is 3-0; Netherlands is 1-2. D.R. faces Israel Monday noon ET (FS1); Netherlands faces Israel Tuesday 7 p.m. ET (FOX Sports App). The top two teams from Pool D advance to the quarterfinals in Houston (March 13–14).

How the game unfolded

Guerrero's two-run homer in the third set the tone. The six-run fifth—Caminero's 424-foot shot, Wells' two-run blast, Marte's sac fly—put the game out of reach. Soto's homer in the seventh triggered the run-rule. Soto said: "It's a beautiful experience. The homer sealed the game today, but we have a long way to go yet." The D.R. has hit seven home runs in two games and joins Venezuela as the only 2-0 teams in Pool D (now 3-0). The Netherlands' bullpen-game strategy was no match for the star-studded lineup.

Pool D context and what's next

Pool D at loanDepot Park in Miami is one of the toughest groups in the 2026 WBC. The Dominican Republic (3-0) and Venezuela (2-0) lead; the Netherlands (1-2) and Israel (1-1) are in the mix; Nicaragua is 0-3. Pool play runs through March 11; every game will shape who advances to Houston.

Names to watch for AthX

Juan Soto (Yankees), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays), Junior Caminero (Rays), Austin Wells (Yankees), Ketel Marte (D-backs), Luis Severino, and Oneil Cruz (Pirates) are key D.R. names. Netherlands has Didi Gregorius, Xander Bogaerts, and Ozzie Albies. WBC performance does not affect dynamic pricing—AthX prices are driven by MLB performance—but a strong tournament can boost narrative and demand before Opening Day.

What It Means for AthX

WBC stats don't count in dynamic pricing; AthX share prices are based on MLB playing time and results. Still, WBC results can shape narrative and demand for the D.R.'s star-heavy roster. Use the WBC as a lead-in to see who's in form, then browse the marketplace to see how MLB players are valued on AthX.

*Sources: MLB.com – No ... let me hit: Soto calls game with HR to seal DR's run-rule romp; official WBC Pool D results. Fact-checked March 8, 2026.*