Dominican Republic rallies past Team USA

MIAMI >> Nelson Cruz hit a go-ahead, three-run homer off Andrew Miller in the eighth inning, Starling Marte added a solo shot off the All-Star reliever and the defending champion Dominican Republic overcame a five-run deficit to beat the United States 7-5 Saturday night.

The comeback delighted a clamorous crowd of 37,446, the largest for baseball in the five-year history of Marlins Park.

The U.S. fell to 1-1 and is in jeopardy of being eliminated in the first round. The Americans, who play Canada on Sunday, failed to reach the three previous WBC finals.

The Dominicans improved to 10-0 in the past two Classics, including 2-0 this year. They can clinch first place in Pool C and advance to the second round by beating Colombia on Sunday.

The Americans were on the verge of clinching a berth in the second round when Miller took the mound with a 5-3 lead in the eighth. He walked Jose Bautista starting the inning, Carlos Santana followed with an infield single and Cruz pulled an 0-2 slider just inside the foul pole.

Miller yanked off his cap in dismay, while Cruz began gleefully pumping his fists even before he reached first base.

One batter later, Marte also homered. Manny Machado began the comeback with a solo homer in the sixth against Tanner Roark.

The frenzied sellout crowd was the night’s biggest star and a rare sight at Marlins Park, with even the upper deck packed.

LYNNE SLADKY — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Dominican Republic’s Starling Marte (6) celebrates with his teammates after Nelson Cruz hit a three-run home run during the eighth inning on Saturday.