Watch Kevin Kugler and John Smoltz Call Netherlands vs Dominican Republic on Fox – 2026 World Baseball Classic Live Guide

Match date: 8 March 2026

Watch Kevin Kugler and John Smoltz Call Netherlands vs Dominican Republic on Fox – 2026 World Baseball Classic Live Guide

Baseball fans across the US can catch the thrilling Netherlands vs Dominican Republic clash in the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool D at loanDepot park in Miami, live on Fox from 12:00 PM ET. For those with subscriptions, Fox One and the Fox Sports App offer additional viewing options, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this high-stakes matchup. UK viewers tuning in at 16:00 GMT will also find the action accessible via international streams, making it a must-watch for transatlantic audiences.

The Dominican Republic, boasting a star-studded lineup including Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Junior Caminero, enters as Pool D favourites after a dominant 12-3 opening win over Nicaragua. Managed by legend Albert Pujols, their offence erupted late, showcasing MLB-calibre power that could overwhelm opponents. Probable starter Luis Severino brings ace pedigree, having pitched for the Yankees and Mets with a career marked by high-stakes performances.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands (1-1) rides momentum from Ozzie Albies’ historic walk-off home run – the first in WBC history – securing a 4-3 upset over Nicaragua. Stars like Xander Bogaerts, Kenley Jansen, and Ceddanne Rafaela headline a roster that has reached WBC semifinals in 2013 and 2017, defying odds as underdogs. They notably stunned the Dominicans twice in 2009 without a single Double-A player. Right-hander Arij Fransen, formerly in the Reds’ system, opens in a bullpen game, facing a monumental challenge.

US viewers are in for a treat with Kevin Kugler on main commentary play-by-play. Kugler, a veteran broadcaster with over two decades calling NFL, college football, and MLB games for networks like Fox Sports and ESPN, delivers precise, energetic narration that captures every pitch’s drama. Joining him is co-commentator John Smoltz, a Hall of Fame pitcher turned analyst whose 1995 World Series heroics with the Braves and eight All-Star nods inform his sharp insights on pitching matchups and strategy. Fox Sports reporter Tom Verducci, a Baseball Hall of Fame voter and Sports Illustrated alum with 30+ years covering MLB, provides sideline updates, drawing from his deep knowledge of player dynamics.

The world feed offers an alternative with Paul Severino handling play-by-play. Severino, MLB Network’s rising star known for Spanish-language broadcasts and English WBC calls, pairs seamlessly with co-commentator Yonder Alonso. A former Marlins first baseman with a .241 career average over seven MLB seasons, Alonso transitioned to analysis on ESPN and MLB Network, offering insider perspectives on Latin American talent pipelines that enrich global coverage.

This matchup revives a rivalry where the Netherlands holds a 2-1 WBC edge, last meeting in 2013. With the Dominicans eyeing a second title since their perfect 2013 run and the Dutch battling for advancement alongside games versus Israel, expect fireworks at noon ET. For more on the Dominican Republic’s roster, visit MLB.com.

Pool D heats up as Venezuela, Israel, and Nicaragua jostle for knockout spots, but today’s result could define trajectories. The Netherlands’ resilience – stranding runners yet delivering in clutch moments – contrasts the DR’s firepower, promising edge-of-your-seat baseball. Tune in on Fox for Kugler, Smoltz, and Verducci’s expert lens, or the world feed for Severino and Alonso’s international flair. Whether you’re in Miami, the UK, or beyond, this 2026 WBC gem delivers world-class action.

Article generated: 8 March 2026, 17:01 GMT