Dominicans power up to hold off Nicaragua in WBC opener

Junior Caminero hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning as the Dominican Republic beat Nicaragua 12-3 before a crowd of 35,127 to conclude the first day of Pool D at Miami's loanDepot Park.

Julio Rodriguez and Oneil Cruz also went deep for the Dominican Republic, which broke it open late after Caminero's homer snapped a 3-all tie.

Manny Machado's double in the sixth preceded Caminero’s blast. Rodriguez's leadoff homer and Cruz's three-run blast highlighted a six-run eighth.

After his drive off Nicaragua reliever Stiven Cruz cleared the center-field wall, Caminero pumped his chest in jubilation as he pointed to the crowd while rounding the bases. Caminero then was mobbed by his teammates when he touched the plate.

The Dominican Republic padded the lead on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Seranthony Domínguez pitched the sixth for the win. Eight Dominican relievers threw 7 2/3 scoreless innings after starter Christopher Sánchez got only four outs.

Nicaragua chased Sánchez during a two-run second. Freddy Zamora hit an RBI double and scored from third on an error by left fielder Juan Soto to put Nicaragua ahead 3-2.