Dominican Republic hopes to keep rolling versus Spain

Mar 9, 2013 - 11:29 AM (Sports Network) - The Dominican Republic hopes to take another step towards advancing in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday when it continues its Pool C slate against Spain at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

The heavily favored Dominican team, which failed to get out of the first round four years ago, sent a message to the entire tournament on Thursday, as Robinson Cano went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBI and Jose Reyes had four hits to lead them past Venezuela, 9-3.

"Well, I'm surprised definitely (with the offense), but I believe these guys are on a mission," D.R. manager Tony Pena said. "They're on a mission. They do not want to waste a single moment."

Hanley Ramirez smacked a solo homer and scored a pair of runs, while Nelson Cruz added two hits and two RBI for the Dominican Republic, which also got an RBI from Edwin Encarnacion.

Pedro Strop earned the win after tossing 1 2/3 perfect innings. Edinson Volquez started for the Dominican Republic and tossed a perfect first frame, but was pulled following a fifty-minute rain delay in the home half on the inning.

The Dominican Republic should not have a problem on Saturday against Spain, which lost its opener to Puerto Rico, 3-0.

Yunesly Sanchez went 2-for-3 for Spain, which was making its first-ever World Baseball Classic appearance. The team defeated France, South Africa and Israel in September's qualifying round.

Sergio Perez was dealt with the loss and lasted two innings, giving up three runs -- one earned -- while walking four batters. However, Richard Salazar came in and tossed five scoreless innings.

"Today before we left the hotel, MLB [Network] said that they would have the first knockout of the tournament, and I'm sorry for [them]," Spain manager Mauro Mazzotti said. "And we started a little bit tense, a little bit nervous, a little bit of fear, and we faltered for an inning. But I think that after, we played well and we had some good at -bats, and we had our chances.

"We played a game, and wet our feet in the tournament, and let's see. Let's see what comes next."