Tatis Jr. Leads Dominican Republic to WBC Quarterfinals with Historic Grand Slam

Slugger's dramatic home run and bat flip propel team to 10-1 victory over Israel.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Fernando Tatis Jr. ignited the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic campaign with a towering grand slam home run in Monday's 10-1 victory over Israel. The dramatic blast and subsequent bat flip celebration secured the Dominican team's spot in the tournament's quarterfinal round.

Why it matters

Tatis Jr. is one of baseball's brightest young stars, and his heroics on the international stage have captivated fans and sparked national pride in the Dominican Republic. The win also keeps the country's hopes alive of winning its first-ever World Baseball Classic title.

The details

With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Tatis Jr. stepped up to the plate and unloaded on an 0-2 pitch, sending it soaring over the left field wall for a grand slam that broke the game open. The 24-year-old San Diego Padres star punctuated the moment with an emphatic bat flip, igniting the Miami crowd and his Dominican teammates.

  • The game took place on Monday, March 9, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

The players

Fernando Tatis Jr.

A 24-year-old star shortstop for the San Diego Padres and one of the most exciting young players in Major League Baseball.

Dominican Republic

The national baseball team of the Dominican Republic, which is considered one of the powerhouses of international baseball.

Israel

The national baseball team of Israel, which qualified for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“That was one of the most incredible moments I've ever seen in this tournament. Tatis Jr. is a superstar and he showed it with that grand slam.”

— Manny Machado, Dominican Republic Teammate (ESPN)

What’s next

The Dominican Republic will now advance to the quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where they will face the winner of Pool D.

The takeaway

Tatis Jr.'s heroics have captivated baseball fans around the world and solidified his status as one of the game's brightest young talents. His dramatic grand slam has the Dominican Republic dreaming of its first World Baseball Classic championship.