Part 2 of my WBC 2023 experience was spent behind my iphone camera and the batting cage. The hispanic national teams were loaded with players from the Major Leagues and i had access to batting practice, lower-level practice angles, on field warmups, and high level exit clearance.
Puerto Rico arrived first, stretched, and began batting practice. This team had Francisco Lindor, Javier Baez, and Marcus Stroman, above the line Major League Players who've made a name for themselves already and been selected to multiple All Star's.
I started with photos in the opposing bullpen while Marcus Stroman went through his warmup routine, Puerto Rico's bullpen coach guided him with his exercises outside the bullpen; resistance bands, weighted balls, and an individual trainer stretching him out. This all happened before he even touching his glove.
Francisco Lindor entertained the media with his impressive batting practice, smashing a five-homerun streak in front of on lookers.
According to CBS Sports, Puerto Rico defeated Israel in only 8 inning's of play, Lindor hit a rbi triple that game and Javier Baez also contributed with two rbi's. Up next, Dominican Republic team, 2013 WBC Champions and in 2017 advanced to second round, they were led by Manny Machado and Robinson Cano, the 2013 WBC MVP. Machado's big blast came against Israel when he homered over the left center wall into the Budweiser bar in the middle levels.
With the Quarterfinals next week at LoanDepot Park, Miami was already anticipating a game that included the US baseball team.
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