The 2026 World Baseball Classic already has a candidate for the best play of the tournament. The protagonist, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., surprised with a spectacular dive at home that ignited the fans. The powerful Blue Jays slugger showed that he can not only dominate with the bat, but also with his aggressiveness on the bases during the quarterfinal game between Dominican Republic and South Korea.
The Dominican Republic team ended up winning 10-0, but one of the images that will remain etched in the memory of the game occurred in the early innings of the game.
Vlad Guerrero’s impressive dive that surprised everyone
It all started in the second inning when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached base after being walked.
Minutes later, Dominican Junior Caminero, the Bay Rays star, hit a deep drive into the left-field corner off veteran left-hander Hyun-jin Ryu.
Guerrero Jr. started from first base with a total decision to score. He sped past second base and rounded third without slowing down.
The relay throw seemed to arrive in time to put him out at the plate. However, the Dominican first baseman executed a spectacular head-first dive towards home, dodging the catcher and scoring the first run of the game.
The stadium exploded with excitement as the runner got up from the ground and celebrated the play with a triumphant gesture.
Junior Caminero reacts to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s spectacular dunk
After the game, Junior Caminero couldn’t help but joke about his teammate’s spectacular maneuver.
I told him I was going to give him a Wagyu steak, and he jumped in as if he was jumping into a pool
The play not only opened the scoring, but also set the tone for a game that the Dominican team ended up dominating.
Juan Soto also shone on the bases
Juan Soto was not far behind and in the next inning he starred in a similar play. After an RBI hit by Guerrero Jr., Soto left first base determined to score. Although the throw arrived before him, the outfielder managed to slide skillfully and touch the plate with his hand while avoiding the catcher’s tag.
Albert Pujols explains the team’s mentality
Dominican manager Albert Pujols highlighted after the game that the team is looking to take advantage of every opportunity during the tournament: “Speaking of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Juan Soto, maybe they’re not the fastest runners. But they were aggressive on the bases. When you have a team that can do damage not only with the bat, but also with the aggressive way they play, that makes a difference.”
The legendary former player also underlined the motivation that players feel when representing their country.
They know the importance of this tournament for them, for the country and for our land. At the same time, they respect baseball and are going to play it the way it should be played, taking advantage of the opponent’s mistakes
Now the next challenge will be to face Team USA at the same LoanDepot Park, in a duel that promises a lot.
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