MIAMI — Austin Wells’ only swing of the bat during Friday night’s game at LoanDepot Park put the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic record book as well as this year’s semifinal round.
Wells hit a game-ending three-run homer in the seventh inning that stopped the contest under the tournament’s run rule as the Dominican Republic beat South Korea 10-0 in the opening quarterfinal of the tournament and the start of elimination play.
Wells’ homer was the 14th for the Dominicans in the tournament, tying the WBC record set by Mexico in 2009. Wells, who also homered in a 12-1 group-stage victory over the Netherlands on Sunday, drove a first-pitch cutter from Hyeong Jun So off the front of the second deck above right field.
“Trying to win today and be able to move to the next round was the goal,” Wells said. “Being able to help out today and be part of it was a lot of fun. Definitely a special moment.”
With a lineup of stars including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr., Wells has quickly adjusted to the team. And when the star sluggers did their damage without the long ball against South Korea, it was Wells who went deep after entering as a defensive replacement in the top of the seventh.