Fernando Tatís Jr. launched a 394‑foot shot that sparked a 7-5 victory over Venezuela on Wednesday night at LoanDepot Park. After the blast, the Dominican slugger tossed his bat into the air, a moment he later described in Spanish as “my god, what did I just do?” The crowd’s roar echoed through Miami as the win kept the Dominican Republic unbeaten in pool play.

Dominican hitters have already logged a tournament‑leading 13 home runs, each accompanied by flamboyant celebrations—bat flips, high‑steps, and custom props like flag‑colored jackets and plantain‑adorned dumbbells. Five of the six longest base‑running trots belong to Dominican players, with Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto and Junior Caminero delivering the most theatrical rounds. Their exuberance has become a signature of the team’s identity.

Manager Albert Pujols, a 2006 Dominican WBC champion, says this squad finally feels the unity that eluded the 2017 and 2023 squads. The blend of raw talent and collective joy has propelled the team into the quarterfinals against South Korea on Friday. The Dominican Republic now stands as a clear favorite to capture the World Baseball Classic title.