Bautista’s homer lifts Dominican Republic past Canada

MIAMI » Jose Bautista homered and drove in four runs, and the Dominican Republic opened its bid for a second consecutive World Baseball Classic title with a 9-2 victory against Canada.

Welington Castillo hit a two-run homer for the Dominicans, who went 8-0 to win the 2013 title. Before the game, manager Tony Pena said his team looks better on paper this year.

Carlos Martinez pitched four innings in first career WBC outing and allowed one run — when he balked with a runner at third. Jose Reyes had three of the Dominicans’ 15 hits.

The Dominicans were the home team and had the majority of support from a boisterous crowd of 27,388 at Marlins Park, with fans chanting, blowing horns and pounding drums throughout the game.

Ryan Dempster, a 16year major league veteran who came out of retirement to pitch for the Canadians at age 39, lasted only two innings and gave up four runs. It was his first game since the 2013 World Series.

The Canadians are in danger of being eliminated in the opening round for the fourth time in as many WBCs.

Dominican reliever Fernando Rodney had the crowd roaring during pregame introductions when he struck his customary arrow-shooting pose while holding a large plantain.

Only finishing touches remain at Braves’ park

ATLANTA » Workers grooming the infield dirt at the Braves’ new SunTrust Park on Thursday wore hardhats that cast a misleading image.

Most of the hard work is complete.

“We are completely through with the major elements of the construction of the ballpark,” Braves president of business Derek Schiller said.

That leaves about three weeks for finishing touches before the first official unveiling when the Braves play the New York Yankees in an exhibition on March 31. Only season-ticket holders are invited, and Schiller says a crowd of about 20,000 is expected.