The Dominican Republic defeated Nicaragua, 6-1, in the World Baseball Classic on Monday to earn their first win of the tournament.
The game didn’t have any major scares for the Dominicans, but it did have one of the coolest moments in WBC history.
21-year-old right-hander Duque Hebbert, who had a 4.71 ERA with Tren del Norte Real Esteli, a club in the Nicaraguan league, had the moment of his life.
In the ninth inning, against the fat part of the Dominican lineup, he pitched a scoreless frame with just one hit and three strikeouts.
Do you want to know the names of the players he fanned?
Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Rafael Devers.
That’s three of the best hitters in baseball.
Per ESPN Deportes, Hebbert said that he went out there to throw strikes.
It’s safe to say it worked.
The Detroit Tigers were very much aware of what happened at loanDepot Park on Monday.
Although details were not disclosed, it was announced that they signed Hebbert to a contract.
El lanzador nicaragüense de 21 años Duque Hebbert ponchó esta tarde a Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez y Rafael Devers.
Entonces, un scout de los Tigres de Detroit se acercó a Hebbert y firmó un contrato una hora después de que terminó el juego. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/JEEJbCGlJa
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) March 14, 2023
The tweet above says: “Nicaraguan 21-year-old pitcher Duque Hebbert struck out Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez and Rafael Devers this afternoon. Then, a Detroit Tigers scout approached Hebbert and signed him to a contract an hour after the game was over!”.
Talk about an inning that can change your life!
Of course, the road to the majors will be long and full of obstacles, but Monday could go down as the biggest day in Hebbert’s life.
It’s unclear if he will start in the Dominican Summer League or if the Tigers will have him play in the United States this year, but a guy who can strike out three of the best players in baseball deserves, as the very least, a shot.
The Tigers are giving it to him.
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