Padres News: Juan Soto’s RBI-Double Secures DR’s Only Run In Loss to Venezuela

Lone bright spot in Dominican Republic's WBC match.

For anybody that thought Juan Soto took a step back last season when he first got to San Diego, he is reminding everybody everyone that he is very much still here. After some solid run in Spring Training with the Friars, he took some time to recover from a calf strain. The two-time All-Star had to get healthy so he could represent the Dominican Republic in this year's World Baseball Classic.

Soto got off to a hot start, immediately connecting on an RBI-double that gave DR their first run of the game and had them on top of Venezuela. Unfortunately, this would be DR's first and last trip around the bases as they fell 5-1 after nine innings.

Juan Soto with an RBI-double and the Dominican strikes first!! pic.twitter.com/1FtRXQhTS3

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 12, 2023

David Peralta played a crucial role in Venezuela gaining and securing their lead as he initially gave them a 3-1 lead with a single that brought in two runners. He would then soon connect on another fastball to reach second base and clear the way for another completed run to home plate.

Fans were super excited to see their 24-year-old star suit up for his country and find success at bat immediately. They are hoping to see much more of this during the season, especially considering that Friars teammate Manny Machado is also playing alongside him in the WBC.

Remember how Juan Soto was absolutely raking in Spring Training?

His first AB in the World Baseball Classic?

A rocket. RBI double. No surprise! pic.twitter.com/6Mp2iqtQnH

— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) March 12, 2023

Juan Soto about to have a big year pic.twitter.com/xw7ePL0zkx

— Al Scott (@AlScott1998) March 12, 2023

There is a lot of noise surrounding Soto's name right now as San Diego's front office mulls over whether or not they should extend him or let him enter 2024 free agency. However, it appears the slugger is just focused on baseball and helping his team compete right now.