Paulio Leads Dominican Republic Past USA HTX 8-0

January 3 2026 Dominican Republic defeated USA HTX 8-0 in a five-inning final, using steady offense and a dominant pitching performance to secure the win. Dominican Republic finished with eight runs on eight hits and played error-free defense, while USA HTX was held to two hits and committed three errors.

Dominican Republic took control early with two runs in the first inning, then added two more in the third, three in the fourth and one in the fifth. Victor Bueno led the offense with two hits, including a double, and drove in three runs. Tito Cabrera homered and finished with two RBI, while Dariel Gomez doubled, scored twice and drove in two runs. Alex Tapia walked twice and scored three runs.

Eilezer Paulio delivered the standout pitching performance for Dominican Republic, throwing all five innings and allowing two hits with one walk and 12 strikeouts. He faced 17 batters and threw 75 pitches, 44 for strikes, while keeping USA HTX scoreless.

Kameron Wheeler and Joseph Gusman had the only hits for USA HTX. Joseph Baltrip, Austin Coble and Mark Dozier combined on the mound for USA HTX, with Baltrip allowing five runs, three earned, over three innings. Dominican Republic also recorded three stolen bases, with Willian Santana, Breiner Lora and Rafael Gross each credited with one.