Dominican Republic stunned by Netherlands

Dominican Republic stunned by Netherlands

The Dominican Republic sure could have used Alex Rodriguez, don't you think?

Without A-Rod, the Dominican Republic suffered a most stunning loss in the World Baseball Classic opener, losing 3-2 to the Netherlands.

This is a double elimination tournament, so the Dominican Republic still can advance to the second round by winning the rest of its games here at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. But this embarrassing opening loss serves as a mighty blow to a squad that many considered favorites to win the championship.

Netherlands scored its runs all in the first inning by capitalizing on errors by catcher Miguel Olivo and Hanley Ramirez and a wild pitch by starting pitcher Edinson Volquez. Then the Netherlands pitchers, beginning with starter Sidney Ponson, held the Dominican Republic's talented lineup at bay all game.

The Dominican Republic lineup -- filled with All-Stars such as David Ortiz, Robinson Cano, Hanley Ramirez and Miguel Tejada -- was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities nearly every inning. They left a total of nine runners on base.

Their biggest disappointment came in the fifth inning. After Miguel Tejada hit solo homer in the fourth, the Dominican team loaded the bases with no out in the fifth and looked as if it would take control of the game. Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly cut the deficit to one run, and Netherlands responded by intentionally walking David Ortiz to set up an inning-ending double play.

Netherlands reliever Rob Cordemans, who just entered the game, got Tejada to ground sharply to third baseman Yurendell DeCaster, and he stepped on third and threw to first. It was not only an inning-ending double play, it was a rally-ending double play, one in which the Dominicans never seemed to recover.

The Dominicans put the tying run on in the ninth, as speedy leadoff hitter Willy Taveras walked. He took second when Cano grounded out to second, but was caught trying to steal third with Ramirez up -- a questionable decision considering he would have scored from second on just about any hit.

Netherlands closer Leon Boyd then walked Ramirez, but struck out Jose Bautista -- who had pinch ran for Ortiz in the seventh inning -- to finish off the upset.