Dominican Republic eyes WBC crown but must beat Team USA

The Dominican Republic enters the World Baseball Classic semifinal after scoring 51 runs in five games and posting the tournament's best batting numbers; players say they are representing their country and culture as they prepare to face Team USA.

The Dominican Republic has become a focal point of the World Baseball Classic as it prepares for a semifinal against Team USA. Players have spoken about representing their country, town and neighborhoods while wearing the national uniform. The team has produced prolific offense through five games and drawn loud, rhythmic support from fans at loanDepot Park. Managers and opponents have commented on the Dominicans' performance and energy. Key details: - Julio Rodriguez said winning the World Baseball Classic would be "top of the list" and described playing for his country and community. - The Dominican team had scored 51 runs in five games entering the semifinal. - In the quarterfinals the Dominicans extended a lead to 10-0 by the seventh inning and the game ended under the mercy rule; South Korea's manager Ji-Hyun Ryu called the D.R. "the world's best." - Six Dominican hitters already have multiple home runs: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Junior Caminero, Oneil Cruz and Austin Wells. - The team entered the semifinal with a .314 batting average and a 1.090 OPS, the highest marks in the competition. - Paul Skenes is lined up to start for Team USA in the semifinal, and Dominican fans at loanDepot Park have used drums and whistles and loudly cheered their players. Summary: The Dominican Republic's offense and cultural energy have energized fans and drawn attention across the tournament. They face Team USA in a semifinal where Paul Skenes is expected to start. Undetermined at this time.