On Saturday, when the Dominican Republic went ahead 1-0 against Venezuela in the first inning, Baltimore Orioles slugger Anthony Santander sent a ball to the moon to tie things up at 1-1.
He also had a crucial catch in right field to preserve a 4-1 lead in the eighth inning of that game.
On Sunday, against Puerto Rico and Jose Berrios, Santander did it again:
ANTHONY SANTANDER HOME RUN AND MIAMI IS ROCKING 💪
📺: FS1 and the FOX Sports App pic.twitter.com/VffifE603R
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 12, 2023
With two on base in the first frame, Santander got all of another ball and went yard for the second consecutive night at loanDepot Park, giving Team Venezuela a commanding 4-0 lead that they would never relinquish.
There was chatter among Venezuela coaches and players that Santander was one of the most in-form players on the roster, and they weren’t wrong.
The Orioles slugger looks determined to leave his mark and take his country to the promised land.
Venezuela has never won a World Baseball Classic, but as long as Santander keeps playing like prime Barry Bonds, they will have a chance.
Santander ranks fifth in OPS among players with more than five at-bats in the tournament.
He has a 1.555 mark.
He has a triple, two home runs, three runs scored, and four RBI so far in the event.
All of his three hits have gone for extra-bases.
His 1.222 slugging percentage would be unsustainable over a long season, but in the small sample of the WBC, we are actually not as surprised.
He has been marvelous, but Venezuela will need him to keep performing at a similar level if they are going to make it into the finals for the first time.
The 28-year-old slugger hit a career-high 33 home runs last season with the Orioles and will look to impress in any chance he gets, as he inches closer to free agency.
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