Soto boldly declares "Let me play" and then launches a home run to crush the Netherlands, Dominican Republic's overwhelming victory puts them on track for advancement.

At Miami's LoanDepot Park today, a small group of drummers had already ignited the passion of Dominican fans in the concourse before the game started. This party atmosphere lasted for over two hours without pause, the Dominican lineup kept the drummers busy all afternoon, hitting four home runs in a single game, ultimately defeating the Netherlands 12-1.

Juan Soto's home run in the seventh inning became the decisive blow that ended the game. According to World Baseball Classic rules, during the group stage, if one team leads by 15 or more runs after the fifth inning, or by 10 or more runs after the seventh inning, the game can be called early. Soto's two-run shot precisely pushed the lead to 11 runs, abruptly ending the contest.

"Whether winning by one run or by mercy rule, the most important thing is winning," Dominican manager Albert Pujols said. "We are an excellent team, with a powerful offense, strong bullpen, and solid starters. All credit goes to the players, they are highly motivated."

The Dominican Republic is currently undefeated with two wins and will face Israel on Monday. The Netherlands team stands at 1 win and 2 losses, their advancement prospects now precarious.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s two-run homer in the third inning opened the scoring for the Dominican Republic. In the fifth inning, Junior Caminero and Austin Wells continued the onslaught with home runs, pouring in six runs in that single frame to decisively widen the gap.

The Dominican Republic has already hit seven home runs in its first two games, sharing the top spot in Group D with Venezuela as the only teams with two wins.

"I've seen many powerful lineups, but a lineup at this Classic level? Wow, it's incredible," Netherlands manager Andruw Jones remarked. "Their firepower is too intense."

Luis Severino pitched four innings allowing only one run, the sole blemish being a home run by his former Yankees teammate Didi Gregorius. The Netherlands employed a bullpen relay strategy, starter Arij Fransen and six relievers collectively issued 11 walks, utterly unable to withstand the Dominican Republic's star-studded lineup.

After Guerrero Jr. launched his first home run of the tournament, a lively celebration unfolded between the home plate and the dugout, featuring multiple handshake routines and a specially designed home run jacket bearing the names of the entire team. "We wanted a way to celebrate home runs," Guerrero said. "This jacket is unique for us."

However, Guerrero Jr. didn't wear it for long. After Caminero was hit by a pitch, in his next at-bat he sent a 3-1 count pitch 424 feet, with an exit velocity of 115.8 mph, ranking as the second most powerful home run in the last two Classics, only behind teammate Oneil Cruz's monstrous 116.8 mph shot from the previous day. "I said I could even be a batboy if needed," Caminero said. "This team is full of stars. I have confidence and have produced good results, hoping to continue."

Two batters later, Wells' home run extended the lead to 9-1, and Ketel Marte's sacrifice fly capped off the six-run inning.

With a nine-run lead and victory firmly in hand, Pujols intended to replace some starters to give bench players some action. But Soto, acutely aware that just one more run would end the game early, clearly disagreed with that plan.

"I knew I would be batting in the next inning," Soto said. "I wanted to save some effort for our bullpen guys. He wanted to take me out, I said: 'No, keep playing, let me go.'"

With two outs and a runner on first, Soto delivered as promised, sending the first pitch directly into the right-center field stands. He turned toward the dugout, pointed at Pujols, as if saying "I told you."

"This experience is incredible," Soto said. "Today's home run ended the game, but we still have a long journey ahead."