For Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, it’s nation delight over every thing else.
When talking to reporters throughout a World Baseball Classic observe on Thursday, Rodriguez, who performs for the Dominican Republic, stated {that a} event championship would simply imply extra to him.
“I love the Mariners,” Rodriguez stated, according to Foul Territory. “They know I give my best for them every single time I step on the field, but winning the World Baseball Classic is at the top of the list.”
This yr is Rodriguez’s second look in the WBC, as he represented the D.R. forward of his sophomore season in 2023, when the staff didn’t advance from pool play.
“This is for my country, this is for my town, this is for the people in my neighborhood,” Rodriguez added. “It’s for everybody in the Dominican Republic.”
The D.R. went undefeated in pool play this time round, outscoring opponents 41-10 in 4 video games, with some fiery performances in the opening spherical.
Rodriguez spoke on the intense environment, saying Thursday’s win over Venezuela was the “most electric game” that he’s performed in.
“The atmosphere was definitely the most electric game that I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “The manner that the Dominican followers simply confirmed up it was superb. I’ve been in some loopy [MLB] playoff atmospheres, but the manner that the Dominicans carry it is utterly totally different.
“I think that was the rowdiest game I have been a part of. Just the two Latin cultures clashing last night I think was amazing and the biggest part of it.”
Teammate Juan Soto echoed Rodriguez’s aspirations, saying that bringing residence a title for the D.R. could be a “dream.”
“It’s a dream for me to come here and try to win it for the Dominican Republic,” he said.
The nation has received the WBC as soon as earlier than, defeating Puerto Rico in 2013.
