Dominican Republic vs Netherlands World Baseball Classic

Last night, Puerto Rico shocked the world by defeating two-time World Baseball Classic Champions, Japan. Powered by an Alex Rios homer, the Puerto Ricans halted a late Japanese rally to win the game 3-1.

The Dominican Republic will face off against the Netherlands for the final spot in the World Baseball Classic Final tonight at 9:00 EST.

The odds below can be found at Topbet.eu, a top online sportsbook and preferred betting partner of Sports Betting Online.

Netherlands (+330) at Dominican Republic (-400) OvUn 9

Run Line: Netherlands +1.5 (+160) at Dominican Republic -1.5 (-180)

No team has been more impressive than the DR, who has not lost a game in this year’s tournament. With plenty of strength and depth in their squad that features plenty of MLB talent, the Dominicans look poised to win the WBC title.

They will bring Edison Volquez to face the Netherlands lineup. The righty has two previous starts in the tournament, a rain delay early in the tournament and a game against Italy where he gave up four runs in 4.1 innings of work.

The Dutch famously eliminated the Dominicans in the 2009 WBC in what was considered one of the biggest upsets in the tournaments history. They will need another inspired effort against this tough Dominican lineup.

The Netherlands will go with a veteran southpaw, Diegomar Markwell. Markwell has not played in the Majors for over a decade and was a former prospect of the Toronto Blue Jays. He has been quite good in this year’s tournament, keying two victories against Cuba and throwing four scoreless innings in the Dutch upset win over Korea.

Boosting team Netherlands is top MLB prospect, Jurickson Profar. Profar is a shortstop in the Rangers organization and may start the year in the Majors. The Dutch will also get proven closer Kenley Jansen to see out the game should they get a lead heading into in the 9th.

Our Play: The Netherlands have had one hell of a ride in this year’s tournament and no one would be incredibly shocked if they pulled off an upset against a Dominican Republic team loaded with MLB talent.

While Volquez vs. Markwell seems somewhat even, especially considering Volquez’s wildness over his career and his current inconsistency. The real strength for the Dominicans comes from their offense and lights out bullpen. They are talented enough hitters to get to Markwell, who as we mentioned above has not thrown a ball in the MLB for ten years. Even if Volquez struggles, the DR are much equipped to replace him with the best bullpen in the tournament.

We still don’t find much value in the run line or moneyline odds. The DR is much more talented, but baseball is a game of short term luck and anything could happen in a tournament already full of upsets. It’s hard to justify paying -400 on any baseball wager.

This game could have lots of scoring. The Dominican Republic should easily get to Markwell and Volquez has not looked sharp in any of his performances in the tournament. Team Italy knocked him around in his previous start, and the Netherlands club is more talented.

We see a lot of runs being scored in this one – take Over 9 runs at www.topbet.eu.