The Dominican Republic and Venezuela set off their World Baseball Classic journeys as the get ready to meet at 6:30 p.m. ET in San Juan, Puerto Rico Thursday evening. Check out predictions for this game as both powerhouses feature incredible hitters with lackluster pitching.
The Venezuelans put up 14 runs against the New York Mets on Wednesday in an exhibition game allowing them to fine tunes any problems. Apparently, their offense was able to get things together as Gerrardo Parra and Miguel Cabrera combined for three homers, two of which came off the bat of the 2012 A.L. MVP.
Their pitching was able to barely hold the Mets off as they allowed 10 runs.
As for the Dominican Republic, they combined to score a total of 23 games in both of their exhibition games. They pounded the Philadelphia Phillies with 15 and then beat the New York Yankees after scoring eight. Their pitching has been under control allowing only two runs in each game. However, the Venezuelans have a pitcher on the mound in Anibal Sanchez who seemed to get things together in the postseason with the Detroit Tigers last season.
Sanchez will face Edison Volquez, who, let's be honest, hasn't had a very successful career in the majors. Aside from his first full season in 2008 where he finished with a 16-7 record and 3.21 ERA, Volquez hasn't impressed. Since the great start, Volquez has gone 24-23 with an ERA chartering between 4.00 and 5.00.
This should be a game dominated by offense. The DR is sporting a lineup with Jose Reyes, Miguel Tejada (who has surprisingly been red hot), Hanley Ramirez, Robinson Cano and Edwin Encarnacion. These guys have been carrying the team in the exhibition games so far. The Venezuelans's lineup boasts over 10 MLB All-Stars.
Game time is at 6:30 p.m. ET. Check out the live stream we'll post later on when it gets closer to game time.
Who do you think will win this matchup? Quien ganará este juego?
Find out at 6:30 p.m. ET!
