Steinmetz impresses in 10-0 loss to Dominican Republic
After being no-hit by Puerto Rico on Monday night, the offensive woes continued for Team Israel on Tuesday as it was one-hit by the Dominican Republic in a seven-inning, 10-0 mercy rule loss.
One major bright spot for the Israelis, however, was 19-year-old starter Jacob Steinmetz, who more than held his own against a lineup chock-full of MLB All-Stars through his 1.2 innings of work.
“You saw the talent that he has tonight,” said manager Ian Kinsler. “It’s a good experience for him. It’s the loudest environment he’s pitched in — he’s at a young age right now, he’s still learning — so that’s going to really help him moving forward. Stuff-wise he really showed up, he was able to calm himself down, keep his composure and throw the ball well against an All-Star lineup.”
Steinmetz gave up one run off two hits, but rallied to strike out Manny Machado, Jeremy Peña, and Gary Sánchez before his night was over, flashing his mid-90s fastball and tight slider his lone time through the order.
“I was just trying to go out there and compete with my best stuff,” Steinmetz said. “It definitely helps a lot [with my confidence] knowing that my stuff can play at the highest level. You’re not going to face many tougher hitters than that.”
Machado would go on to finish 2-4 with a homer and three RBIs, while Julio Rodr guez tacked on a pair of RBIs as well as part of a four-run Dominican sixth that blew the game open. The Dominicans eventually walked it off in the seventh via a two-run double by Jean Segura to end the game early.
Team Israel will wrap up play Wednesday afternoon against Venezuela, with first pitch set for 12:00 p.m. local time (18:00 Israel time). Robert Stock is slated to start for the Israelis.
By Jonah Dayton
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