The Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 to become the 2013 World Baseball Classic champions. Thanks to early offense and outstanding pitching, the Dominican were able to remain unbeatable throughout the tournament becoming the first team to accomplish this feat and also win the WBC aside from Japan.
The Dominican Republic struck first as Jose Reyes barely missed a leadoff home run and smacked a double to the right-field wall. Erick Aybar bunted him over and they continued working as a team. Giancarlo Alvaro walked Robinson Cano intentionally and Edwin Encarnacion doubled them in. The Dominicans took a 2-0 lead early in the game.
Alvaro was removed in the second inning and was replaced by Hiram Burgos. Burgos came in and completely controlled the Dominicans. He shut them out in the second and then struck out the side in the third inning. He went 4.2 innings allowing just one run and striking out five.
The Dominican pitchers were on point throughout the game.
Samuel Deduno was lights out from the beginning striking out four batters in four innings. He finished the game with five innings no runs, walks while striking out five. After a steady rain, Deduno was a little out of control and ran into trouble in the fifth inning. He walked Alex Rios and then threw a wild pitch. Rios advanced to second with no outs in the inning. Following two flyouts, Deduno walked Jesus Feliciano and then had to face Angel Pagan, who he stuck out on a sinking change up.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Alejandro de Aza dropped a bunt to get on first. This came half an inning after he made a great catch in center field. He advanced to second and later came around to score on an Aybar double.
Octavio Dotel came in the sixth inning and retired the side as the Dominicans, led by Fernando Rodney, were having fun in the dugout singing and dancing. However, things turned grey in the seventh inning as the first runners in the inning reached. Pedro Strop came into the game, struck out the first two hitters and then Miguel Tejada made a great catch falling hard on his elbow.
Santiago Casillas then came in to handle business in the eighth inning and also backed up the Dominicans with a scoreless frame. He walked Angel Pagan, but then retired the next three batters.
