Toronto Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero goes off in Dominican Republic blowout of Netherlands

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered a big performance for the Dominican Republic on Sunday, helping power his team to a 12-1 mercy-rule victory over the Netherlands in World Baseball Classic action.

Guerrero provided the game's biggest moment in the third inning.

With the Dominican Republic holding a narrow 2-1 lead, the Blue Jays slugger jumped on a hanging slider from Netherlands right-hander Eric Mendez and launched a towering two-run home run just inside the left-field foul pole.

The blast extended the Dominican lead to 4-1 and energized the crowd.

After circling the bases, Guerrero was greeted by his teammates outside the dugout and celebrated by putting on the team's home run jacket - a celebration reminiscent of the one used by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Guerrero had already contributed earlier in the game, driving in the Dominican Republic's first run with an RBI single in the opening inning.

The game ended in the seventh inning due to the tournament's mercy rule. With the Dominican Republic leading 10-1, Joan Soto sealed the victory with a two-run walk-off home run, bringing the final score to 12-1.

Guerrero entered the matchup coming off a strong showing in the Dominican Republic's tournament opener on Friday, where the 26-year-old went 1-for-4 with three RBIs in a 12-3 win over Nicaragua.

Before joining the Dominican squad for the World Baseball Classic, Guerrero also recorded three hits in nine at-bats during Toronto's spring training games.

Following Sunday's victory over the Netherlands, the Dominican Republic will return to action Monday afternoon when they face Israel.

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