Guardian minor league in the World Baseball tournament


Israel starter Ryan Prager got off to an impressive start, retiring the top of the Dominican lineup in order. But there were warning signs, namely loud outs made by Ketel Marte (97 mph exit velocity) and Juan Soto (99.3 mph) that must have stuck with Prager.

Prager, a left-hander drafted by the Guardians in the ninth round last summer, walked three of the first four hitters he faced in the second, loading the bases. Agustín Ramírez struck out, giving Prager a chance to escape the jam, but Geraldo Perdomo drew a walk – the fourth of the frame – forcing home the game’s first run.

Tatis wasn’t looking to walk as he stepped to the plate.

Prager actually got ahead of Tatis, 1-2, but his fourth pitch caught too much of the plate, allowing Tatis to rip it over the Israeli bullpen and into the left-field seats. Tatis admired his shot before flipping his bat, setting off a celebration among the thousands of Dominican fans in attendance – and his teammates, many of whom poured out of the dugout to welcome him home for what has become a home run tradition for the team this week.