Darell Hernaiz launched a colossal 374-foot blast towards the left outfield during the tenth frame on Saturday evening, propelling the home team, Puerto Rico, to a 4-3 triumph in the World Baseball Classic against Panama at San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
Hernaiz, aged 24, a promising infield talent for the Athletics who last season achieved a .231 batting average, along with two long balls and 16 runs batted in, at the top professional tier, hails from San Juan. His game-winning play secured Puerto Rico a 2-0 standing in Pool A. Furthermore, he hit a single in the fifth frame and now boasts a .333 batting average for the competition, following his home run off Severino Gonzalez of Panama.
Jose Espada earned the victory in a relief appearance for Puerto Rico, pitching for two frames and conceding a pair of hits. He fanned one opponent and became the fourth hurler deployed from the relief corps, subsequent to Eduardo Rivera’s start for the home side.
Panama’s record dropped to 0-2 following the defeat, subsequent to Ariel Jurado commencing the match and delivering five frames without allowing a run. He fanned four batters and surrendered three base knocks prior to being relieved by the bullpen. Subsequently, Panama utilized five different relief pitchers for the remainder of the contest.
Hernaiz’s valorous hit marked the second game-ending victory of the day within the WBC. Meanwhile, in Miami, Ozzie Albies connected for a three-run blast in the final half of the ninth frame to guide the Netherlands past Nicaragua at loanDepot Park.