Dominican Republic the true champs of the real world series of the world baseball classic!!!

Dominican Republic displayed why they are the best in the World!!!!!!

Congratulations to the Dominican Republic in what was an amazing run in claiming the 2013 World Baseball Classic Title. Last night the Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico by the score of 3 to 0. They showed that they were determined and on a mission in showing the people that 2009 was just a fluke and nothing was going to get in there way. Their lineup was MLB star studded from the top to the bottom. The one person who displayed their power was second baseman for the New York Yankees Robinson Cano. Cano batted an incredible 517 in the tournament which is unheard of. Throughout the tournament he played a key role in providing the offense for the Dominican ball club. Manager and for Major League Ball player Tony Pena felt very confident going to his bullpen early in the game just because of the all stars he had in their as well. What were key was the runs scored by Dominican Republic in the first inning to take the pressure of their young pitcher Samuel Deduno which allowed him to relax and pitch his game. He had pitched an incredible game in which he got himself out of situations which could have changed the game completely.

What was also a key stat was Puerto Rico leaving 16 men on base in scoring position or on 1st base. On paper and on the field the team from Puerto Rico was out matched and were heavily favored underdogs.  They didn’t back down from the tough task but kept fighting in the game. What was another possible turning point was when Puerto Rico had an easily Taylor made double play turn into only getting one out. With the runner on second for the Dominican Republic Eric Ayabar came up to bat and delivered a double that allowed the runner from second to score to give them a little extra breathing room. When it came to the 9^th inning Fernando Rodney came in and shut it down to secure the championship and bring it back to the Dominican Republic. This championship was a huge deal for the island that doesn’t really have much to celebrate and not this happened it will make it even more special. This championship is like if one of our major teams had won one. They should be celebrating and enjoying this moment because it displays a lot in what baseball means in the Caribbean leagues especially in the Latin culture. What I thought was a show of class and gratitude was after the lost the whole Puerto Rico came from out of the dugout and applauded the Dominican team. This made me smile and understand even though you lose you know it is against a better team that you battled to the end. This made me even more proud of my culture and my heritage in how they acted and showed the class they have.

Baseball means a lot to us, and how we play each and every day to get better at it and want to live that dream we wish we can do once we get older. It was an incredible tournament in seeing the enjoyment from the fans and them cheering on their home country in the tournament. We saw many upsets in the tournament two big ones were the Kingdome of the Netherlands defeating Cuba and Puerto Rico defeating the two time defending champions in Team Japan. I can’t wait until the 2017 World Baseball Classic and what it has in store for us I hope it is just like the one this year.

I will be back on later on in the week to discuss the NCAA Tournament as it prepares to start Thursday afternoon. Come back and check it out in who I think will take home the championship and who will be the major upsets this week.