Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico. Some might ask the ignorant question "What's the difference?" Well, today, one team will prove which is better at least out of Pool C as the World Baseball Classic will see two undefeated teams go head-to-head for the top spot in the bracket. Check out my predictions for this game which sets off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
On the mound, the Dominican Republic will have their lefty, Wandy Rodriguez attempting to la Republica Dominicana the win. The long time Houston Astro has always had solid numbers and he has postseason experience. Though the game isn't do-or-die, Rodriguez would love to go the distance and get his team the victory.
Puerto Rico will send Orlando Roman, a righty, to the mound where he will face a Dominican team that has scored more runs than any other Pool C team int eh 2013 WBC.
The Dominican Republic has been electric with guys like Jose Reyes setting the table at the top of the order, while having Robinson Cano and Hanley Ramirez back him up in the lineup as they possess the ability to drive in runs.
The Puerto Rican team seems to have guys that aren't exactly the most exciting to watch, but they get the job done. Nobody runs on Yadier Molina, so he can't always show off his gun, Carlos Beltran is a bit old now and Angel Pagan has to take it easy in the turf unless he's willing to dive and walk out with burns.
Ultimately, the more dangerous lineup is possessed by the Dominicans, who haven't lost a game yet, not even during exhibition. Reyes, Cano, Ramirez, Edwin Encarnacion, Carlos Santana and even Miguel Tejada have proven to be a dangerous combination in a lineup. The Puerto Rican team will need superb pitching today to stop the Dominican team from winning. They are simply on a roll.
Final Score Prediction: The Dominican Republic wins 5-3 in a thriller that probably goes down to the wire late in the game.
