A Tournament of Firsts

The World Baseball Classic has turn into the premier international baseball tournament, bolstered by the support of Major League Baseball and the participation of its star players. Among the tournament’s most memorable moments is the Dominican Republic’s unprecedented championship victory in 2013.

Dominican Dominance in 2013

Throughout the six editions of the tournament, only three nations have claimed the title: Japan, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. The Dominican Republic’s 2013 team etched its name in baseball history with a perfect 8-0 record, becoming the first team to win the tournament without a single loss.

Offensive Firepower and Bullpen Brilliance

The 2013 Dominican squad boasted a powerful lineup featuring MLB stars like Robinson Canó, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, alongside Nelson Cruz and Edwin Encarnación. Yet, the team’s success wasn’t solely based on hitting. A dominant bullpen, led by closer Fernando Rodney, proved crucial in securing victories during high-pressure situations.

Fernando Rodney’s Record-Breaking Performance

Fernando Rodney became the only pitcher in World Baseball Classic history to record seven saves in a single tournament, a record that still stands today. His performance was nearly flawless, pitching 7.1 innings across eight appearances without allowing a single run, resulting in an immaculate 0.00 ERA.

The firefighter born in Santo Domingo became the only one with seven saves in the history of the World Baseball Classic, a figure that still maintains him as number 1 of all time in that line within the event. Source Content

Sealing the Victory

The final save of Rodney’s historic run came in the championship game against Puerto Rico on March 19, 2013, at AT&T Park in San Francisco. He struck out Wicho Figueroa to secure a 3-0 victory, sparking a celebration that made the Dominican Republic the first Latin American nation to win the World Baseball Classic crown.

no Dominican fan will forget the last of these rescues, since it was the one achieved in the final against Puerto Rico at AT&T Park in San Francisco, on March 19, 2013. That night, La Flecha sealed the 3-0 victory by striking out Wicho Figueroa, unleashing the celebration that made Quisqueya the only Latin American nation to win the crown. Source Content

Rodney’s Continued Success

Beyond his World Baseball Classic achievements, Rodney enjoyed a successful Major League Baseball career, earning three All-Star selections and a World Series ring. He accumulated 327 saves while playing for teams including the Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, and Washington Nationals.

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FAQ

• When did the Dominican Republic win the World Baseball Classic? In 2013.
• Who was the MVP of the 2013 World Baseball Classic? Robinson Canó.
• How many saves did Fernando Rodney record in the 2013 WBC? Seven, a tournament record.