A pitcher from Nicaragua showcased what the World Baseball Classic is all about on Monday.
Nicaragua lost to the Dominican Republic, 6-1, in their Group D game at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Fla. The loss dropped Nicaragua to 0-3 and eliminated them from advancing in the event, but the game wasn’t a total loss for the club.
Duque Hebbert pitched in the ninth inning with his team on the losing end. The 21-year-old faced Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, Manny Machado and Rafael Devers. He allowed a double to Machado, but struck out the remaining three.
He faced four of the best hitters in the world and struck out three of them.
The impressive outing by Hebbert landed him a contract with the Detroit Tigers.
Here is a look at the 21-year-old pitcher, whose change-up had Soto and Devers chasing.
Hebbert’s numbers in the Nicaraguan league weren’t great, but he showed that he has some plus off-speed pitches that can get out the best hitters in the world.
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