Team Dominican Republic is stacked with MLB talent and a betting favorite to win the World Baseball Classic, and they’ll open their tournament against Nicaragua at LoanDepot Park, in Miami, Florida on Friday, March 6.
My top Nicaragua vs. Dominican Republic predictions and World Baseball Classic best bets call for the star power of the Dominicans to pave the way to a lopsided victory in this tournament opener.
Nicaragua vs Dominican Republic prediction
Nicaragua vs Dominican Republic best bet: Dominican Republic -4.5 (-115 at DraftKings)
Not only does the Dominican Republic lineup feature a who’s who of MLB superstars, but lefty Cristopher Sanchez will start Friday, and he spun an elite 2.50 ERA and 1.06 WHIP for the Philadelphia Phillies last season.
The Nicaraguans just don’t pack the same punch at the dish or on the mound, and in particular, projected starter Erasmo Ramirez has only started four games since the beginning of the 2019 MLB campaign.
Finally, I also value the elite Dominican bullpen arms available in the tournament opener. Camilo Doval, Gregory Soto, and Abner Uribe are all proven MLB talents.
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Nicaragua vs Dominican Republic same-game parlay (SGP)
Dominican Republic -4.5
Cristopher Sanchez 4+ strikeouts
Juan Soto 2+ hits
Sanchez posted a high-end 9.4 K/9 last season in the majors, and he’ll face a far easier Nicaraguan lineup on Friday.
Turning to star outfielder Juan Soto, the perennial MVP candidate finished third with a .1500 OPS during the 2023 WBC, and he’s posted a rock-solid .275 batting average over the past three MLB seasons.
Juan Soto star player prop
Juan Soto best bet: 2+ hits (+145 at DraftKings)
In addition to Juan Soto's highlighted WBC and MLB numbers, his underlying 18.1 barrel percentage and 55.1% hard-hit rate are elite marks, and Soto will have excellent lineup protection to prevent the Nicaraguans from pitching around him.
Nicaragua vs Dominican Republic opening odds
- Moneyline: Nicaragua +700 | Dominican Republic -1400
- Run line: Nicaragua +4.5 (-105) | Dominican Republic -4.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-110) | Under 9.5 (-110)
How to watch Nicaragua vs Dominican Republic and game info
| Location | LoanDepot Park, Miami, Florida |
| Date | Friday, March 6, 2026 |
| First pitch | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS2 |
| Nicaragua starting pitcher | Erasmo Ramírez (projected) |
| Dominican Republic starting pitcher | Cristopher Sanchez |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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