An argument can be made that the Dominican Republic has the strongest offensive lineup in the WBC. Medrano, a journeyman pitcher who, at 30, has bounced around the lower levels of the minor leagues and had moderate success in the Mexican League, was penciled by manager Dusty Baker, to start the game. The righthander took the ball with notable ferocity, and poise to begin the game.

“I gave it my all, I tried to get as many zeros as possible,” Medrano said after the game

He managed to strike out Ketel Marte and Juan Soto, and survived a rally that threatened to turn the game lopsided early on. Overall, Medrano completed two full innings and kept his team in the game against this frightening DR lineup.