Softbank Hawks Hawks' Jeter Downs, representing Nicaragua, started at second base and batted second in the WBC game against the Netherlands at Loan Depot Park. In the fifth inning, with one out and doble on second, he hit a double, and in the eighth inning, with two outs and a runner on first, he hit a go-ahead two-run homer. Softbank Hawks' foreign player, representing his father's home country, was overjoyed as he rounded the bases. However, his team suffered walk-off off loss in the ninth inning when a three-run homer with two outs and runners on second and third was hit.

Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo said, "Downes has hit home run too," referring to the strong performance of The Hawks' foreign players in the WBC, including Moinelo, who pitched well as a starter for the Cuban national team. He added, "(Downes) apparently got injured when he did a headfirst slide, but it doesn't seem to be serious."