Ex-Blue Jays slugger lone bright spot for Israel in blowout loss to Dominican Republic
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Spencer Horwitz and Team Israel had to face WBC juggernaut Team Dominican Republic on Monday, and it probably turned out the way you guessed.
Former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Spencer Horwitz and Team Israel faced a tough challenge Monday against powerhouse Team Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic, and the result followed expectations.
The Dominican Republic cruised to a 10-1 victory over Israel at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. powered the Dominican offense, launching a 400-foot grand slam in the second inning and finishing the game with six RBIs.
GRAND SLAM
Fernando Tatis Jr. has entered the chat in a BIG way! #WorldBaseballClassic
Fernando Tatis Jr. has entered the chat in a BIG way! #WorldBaseballClassic
Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello earned the win after delivering five dominant innings on the mound. Bello struck out seven batters and allowed just one hit - a fourth-inning solo home run by Horwitz.
For Horwitz, the 390-foot blast to right-center field was his first home run of the tournament.
Spencer Horwitz homers to get Team Israel on the board! #WorldBaseballClassic
The home run boosted his World Baseball Classic batting average to .333 along with a strong 1.122 OPS.
Horwitz was part of a three-way trade with the Blue Jays, Guardians and Pirates last season.
Just hours after being traded by the Blue Jays to the Guardians as part of the package for Andres Gimenez, Cleveland flipped the left-handed slugger to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for three pitchers, starter Luis Ortiz, left-handed prospects Michael Kennedy and Josh Hartle.
Horwitz's path to playing time a little more complicated in 2026
As of now Horwitz's defensive role with the Pittsburgh Pirates remains somewhat uncertain.
Horwitz served as Pittsburgh's primary first baseman when healthy in 2025, producing a solid 119 wRC+ across 411 plate appearances.
However, the Pirates added Ryan O'Hearn during the offseason, creating additional competition at first base.
Pittsburgh also acquired Brandon Lowe and Marcell Ozuna, moves that further crowd the lineup by reducing potential opportunities at second base and designated hitter. As a result,
Horwitz currently lacks a clear everyday defensive position.
O'Hearn is also expected to see time in right field, which could still allow Horwitz to receive regular opportunities at first base while occasionally filling in at second base or at DH when needed.
Monday's matchup marked just the second meeting between Israel and the Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic history.
Their previous encounter came during the 2023 tournament, when the Dominican Republic secured a 10-0 mercy-rule victory.
With the win, the Dominican Republic improved to 3-0 and clinched a spot in the 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals. Israel fell to 1-2 and was eliminated from advancing in the tournament.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Team Canada first baseman Josh Naylor takes blame for miscue in loss to Panama
Team Canada first baseman Josh Naylor takes blame for miscue in loss to Panama
| POLL | ||
MARS 9|111 ANSWERS Ex-Blue Jays slugger lone bright spot for Israel in blowout loss to Dominican Republic Who will win the 2026 World Baseball Classic? | ||
| Dominican Republic | 67 | 60.4 % |
| USA | 13 | 11.7 % |
| Japan | 29 | 26.1 % |
| Mexico | 2 | 1.8 % |
| List of polls | ||