Softbank Hawks 's Jeter Downs a foreign player for the Nicaraguan national team, started as the second batter and second baseman in the World Baseball Classic against the Netherlands (at Loan Depot Park). He hit a double with one out and doble on second in the fifth inning, and then, with the game tied in the eighth inning and two outs and a runner on first, he hit a two-run home run to give the team the lead. Softbank Hawks foreign player, who played for the national team in his father's home country, ran around the diamond in excitement. However, the team suffered walk-off-off loss in the ninth inning, with two outs and runners on second and third, leading to a three-run home run.

Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo said, "Downs is hitting home run too," and closely followed the performance of The Hawks players in the WBC, including Moinelo, who pitched well as the starter for the Cuban national team. "It seems (Downs) was injured when he did a head slide, but it doesn't seem to be serious," he added.