Upset thwarted, Puerto Rico moves on

Offense breaks out late against Netherlands squad for victory

By Will Gonzalez / Special to MLB.com

Catcher Yadier Molina (center) celebrates the win over the Netherlands with his Puerto Rican teammates on Monday night after the game. (Fernando Llano/AP)

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SAN JUAN, P.R. -- Yadier Molina and Jesus Feliciano led the way for Puerto Rico's 3-1 win, averting an upset loss at the hands of the Netherlands in Game 4 of Pool D play in the World Baseball Classic on Monday night.

Molina hit a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning to put his team on the board after several unsuccessful attempts to score during a game in which Puerto Rico left 21 men on base. Molina's double down the left-field line was followed by an RBI single by Feliciano, who scored Michael Aviles for Puerto Rico's third run.

"I tried to watch the ball and make a good swing," said Molina after the victory. "The first pitch was down the middle, and I said to myself, 'Why did I not swing at that?' But then I got a hanging slider, and I was able to hit it good."

Molina said that the double was one of the most significant hits he has achieved in his career.

"Today's game was an emotional game," Molina said. "It was exciting to be in front of my family, and knowing that my dad was not here physically -- but I know he was here spiritually."

Molina's dad, Benjamin Molina, died last October while coaching a youth baseball game. Benjamin was the father of three Major League catchers: Yadier, Bengie and Jose.

The Netherlands scored their only run of the game in the top of the second inning, when Greg Holman led off with a double and was quickly brought home by a single off the bat of Yurendell de Caster.

Puerto Rico starter Ian Snell allowed three hits and one walk in his four innings of work. He allowed a run, but he struck out five batters.

Pedro Feliciano, Giancarlo Alvarado, J.C. Romero and Fernando Cabrera combined to give Puerto Rico five scoreless innings of relief, with Romero notching the win.

"It is a privilege and wonderful to play here in Puerto Rico, the island of Enchantment," said Romero.

"I am going through a rough situation," added the lefty reliever, who was suspended for the first 50 games of the 2009 season for use of a prohibited substance last year, but was eligible to pitch in the Classic. "Those are things that happen in life."

Dutch reliever Dennis Neuman finished with the loss. Netherlands starter Rick VandenHurk allowed three hits and three walks in his 3 1/3 innings of work. He struck out two batters.

David Bergman and Juan Carlos Sulbaran combined with VandenHurk to stave off the Puerto Rican attack for seven innings.

"Congratulations to the Netherlands team," said Puerto Rican manager Jose Oquendo. "They played a great game. They shouldn't feel disappointed. They should feel proud."

Puerto Rico plays next on Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET against the winner of the game between the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic on Tuesday.

Will Gonzalez is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.