Austin Wells called game for the Dominican Republic on Friday.
In the seventh inning of a quarterfinal matchup against Korea, the Yankees backstop blasted a three-run homer down the right field line, putting the D.R.
up 10-0 and thus enacting the tournament’s 10-run mercy rule.
With Friday’s win, the D.R.
advances to the semifinals, making its first appearance there since 2013, where it wound up winning its first and only WBC championship.
The game was lopsided from the start, with the D.R.
quickly notching seven runs across the second and third innings.
They were also to keep Korea’s hitters at bay, giving up just two hits and a walk through the seven-inning game.
Phillies southpaw Cristopher Sanchez started the game for the Dominican Republic, striking out eight through five innings of work.
Albert Abreu finished the game, throwing two perfect innings while striking out three.
Wells’ blast gave the D.R.
its 14th home run of the tournament, tying a WBC record previously held by Mexico from the 2009 competition.
Manager Albert....
