Soto erupts for DR in tuneups ahead of World Baseball Classic

SANTO DOMINGO -- Juan Soto had never played an official game at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, in winter ball or in any other event.

But in the two exhibition games with Team Dominican Republic in preparation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, he showed that the spacious stadium is not capable of stopping him.

In the first game, Soto powered a lineup that churned out 19 hits, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs to help defeat the Tigers, 12-4, on Tuesday.

Things weren't much different for the Mets' left fielder on Wednesday, when Soto tripled, homered and added another three RBIs. Team DR led, 3-1, until the ninth inning, when Detroit scored three. Soto's squad answered with a run with two outs in the bottom of the frame before Oneil Cruz grounded out to end the game in a 4-4 tie.

Soto hit .571 (4-for-7) across the two games, with three of those hits going for extra bases. He drove in six of the Dominicans' 16 total runs.

He was not the only one to make noise with his bat: Rays third baseman Junior Caminero went 2-for-2 in the exhibition finale vs. Detroit to finish 6-for-6 against the Tigers, including a home run and a triple.

“Soto and Caminero are two great hitters. They have proved it all along," said Team Dominican Republic manager Albert Pujols. "Soto, his patience and work ethic. Caminero is still very young but has a lot of talent that can be used."

For Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, the experience will help his young players improve their games.

“This was an excellent series," Hinch said. "The crowd was spectacular, and this will obviously help us be a better team during the season.”

Hinch also talked about newcomer Framber Valdez, who did not pitch against his MLB team during this exhibition series because he'd just made his Tigers debut on Monday. Valdez will team up with Tarik Skubal at the top of Detroit's rotation this season.

“Valdez is a great pitcher, and him coming to Detroit will give us an opportunity to fight in the [American League] Central division,” Hinch said.

The Dominicans will now fly to Miami to finish their preparation for the start of the Classic. They will play their first game of the tournament at 7 p.m. ET on Friday on FS2 against Nicaragua at loanDepot park.