Déjà vu struck at the Taipei Dome as Nicaragua notched its second consecutive walk-off win in extra innings. Yesterday, Ronald Rivera’s 10th-inning single secured a 2-1 win over South Africa. Today, Benjamin Alegría followed suit with his own 10th-inning walk-off hit, once again sealing a 2-1 win—this time against Spain.
Both teams entered with 1-0 records, knowing a win would secure at least a spot in the second-place playoff. WBSC No. 16 ranked Nicaragua defeated No. 31 South Africa, 2-1, in the Taipei Pool opener, while No. 24 Spain stunned world No. 2 Chinese Taipei with a 12-5 upset victory.
"You get a defensive highlight, you get a defensive highlight, EVERYBODY gets a defensive highlight!" ???? #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/07LOVnKWQq
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) February 22, 2025
Both sides played exceptional defense all day, keeping the score tight. Despite Nicaraguan pitchers issuing nine walks, Spain failed to take advantage, going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Nicaragua also remained hitless with men in scoring position until its final batter, when Alegría broke the drought by lining a clutch single over the center fielder’s head.
Brandon Leyton gives Nicaragua an early lead! ????#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/YuMrGu71Hq
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) February 22, 2025
Brandon Leyton struck first for Nicaragua in the bottom of the first with a solo home run to left field, but Carlos Colmenarez tied the game in the top of the third with a solo shot to right field.
Rays prospect Carlos Colmenarez is having a great WBC Qualifier ????????
Multiple web gems yesterday, line drive homer todaypic.twitter.com/oUlrg8yLX8
— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) February 22, 2025
On the mound, starter Kenword Burton tossed 4.1 innings of one-run ball, striking out five, while 40-year-old Yoanner Negrín went 5.2 innings and allowed just one run. Both bullpens then held firm until the decisive tenth inning.
Spain failed to capitalize on its ghost runner at second base, going down in order against Yeris Gonzalez. In the bottom half, Rhiner Cruz issued two walks (one intentional) to load the bases for Nicaragua with one out. Then, with two strikes, Benjamin Alegría delivered a walk-off single, securing the dramatic win for the Central Americans.
Team Nicaragua walks it off for the second straight game and Benjamin Alegria's reaction was ELECTRIC ⚡️ #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/tyGyQ6vqhR
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) February 22, 2025
Nicaragua will face host Chinese Taipei in its final game, while Spain will take on South Africa. A Nicaraguan win would automatically secure the Central Americans a spot in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, leaving the rest of the pool to battle for the remaining berth.
A Nicaraguan loss would complicate matters, as multiple teams would share the same record, and a tiebreaker would be required to determine the final standings.
