Dominican Republic hitters and fans got a cushion that changed the game’s momentum when vladimir guerrero jr launched a go-ahead two-run homer Sunday at 1: 00 p. m. ET, pushing the score to 4-1 in the third inning of the World Baseball Classic matchup with the Netherlands.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr lifts Dominican Republic to a 4-1 lead
The blast came with the Dominican Republic already ahead 2-1; Guerrero’s two-run shot off right-hander Eric Mendez extended the advantage to 4-1 in the third inning. The homer cleared into the left field seats just inside the foul pole, and it followed Guerrero’s RBI single that opened the scoring in the first inning.
Eric Mendez’s hanging slider set up the Vladimir Guerrero Jr drive
Guerrero connected on a hanging slider from Netherlands pitcher Eric Mendez, driving the pitch into the seats and producing two runs. Guerrero then rounded the bases and joined teammates outside the dugout to don the team’s home run jacket as part of the on-field celebration.
Toronto Blue Jays slugger showed his recent form for the Dominican Republic
The 26-year-old had already been active in the WBC, going 1-for-4 with three RBIs in the Dominican Republic’s 12-3 tournament-opening victory over Nicaragua on Friday; the homer against the Netherlands added to that early tournament total. Guerrero also arrived after recording three hits in nine spring training at-bats with the Toronto Blue Jays before joining the WBC roster.
Still, the homer’s immediate effect was clear: it widened a one-run lead into a multi-run margin and energized the Dominican dugout with a signature celebration. That put more pressure on the Netherlands’ bullpen and changed how the remainder of the game would be managed defensively and on the bases.
That said, the personal notes matter: Guerrero’s two-run shot came in a sequence that began with his RBI single in the first inning, giving him multiple-run contributions across this early stretch of the tournament. His home run jacket celebration echoed a club-style ritual familiar from his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, reinforcing his role as a focal point for the Dominican attack.
After Sunday’s win over the Netherlands, the Dominican Republic is scheduled to return to action on Monday afternoon against Israel, giving Guerrero and the team a chance to build on the tournament-opening momentum.
More details expected Monday afternoon ET.
