Abinader attends RD’s inaugural game in the World Baseball Classic in Miami and throws the first pitch

MIAMI, Florida.– President Luis Abinader, attended this Friday the opening game of the Dominican Republic team in the sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic, where he made the first pitch in the match between the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua held at LoanDepot Park.

The presence of the leader underscores institutional support for national sport in an event that generates great global expectation and offers thousands of fans the unique opportunity to see the best players in the world representing their respective nations. The Dominican team, located in Group D, begins its journey towards the crown today, facing the Nicaraguan selection. The group is completed by the teams of the Netherlands, Israel, and Venezuela.

Diplomatic Agenda in the United States

The Head of State is in the city of Miami as part of an official visit that includes his participation, this Saturday, in a high-level summit convened by the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

About the World Baseball Classic

This sixth edition of the international tournament formally began this Thursday and will run until next March 17th. The event brings together 20 countries that will compete in a total of 47 matches, distributed in a group stage (A, B, C and D), followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals and the grand final.

Venues and Format: The matches will be played in venues in Japan, the United States, and Puerto Rico. Specifically, the group rounds take place in Miami (Florida), Houston (Texas), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Tokyo (Japan).

Final Phase: The quarterfinals will be divided between Miami and Houston, while the final round will be played entirely in the city of Miami. Background: Japan’s selection comes to this event as the defending champion, having defeated the United States in the 2023 tournament final.

Dominican Republic was the champion of the 2013 World Baseball Classic

Dominican Republic, with an undefeated record of 8-0, conquered the World Baseball Classic crown for the first time by defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 in the final of the third edition of the tournament held in 2013. Only three teams have won the World Baseball Classic: Japan (three times), Dominican Republic (once), and United States (once). President Abinader’s participation in LoanDepot Park reaffirms the Dominican government’s commitment to sports talent and the positioning of the country in the most prestigious scenarios of world sport. Present with President Abinader were the Ministers of Tourism, David Collado, and of Sports, Kelvin Cruz.