Hiram Moreno
The group stage of the World Baseball Classic continues with an exciting Group D duel between Israel vs Puerto Rico, taking place on March 13. This match tells two different stories: one team is the group favorites, while the other started the campaign on the right foot, thus, looking to continue in that way, although that will not be an easy task.
Without further introduction, at JefeBet we present our analysis of the teams that will be part of this duel, as well as our prediction and the best odds available for you to bet on this Israel vs Puerto Rico.
Predictions and Betting Preview for the Israel vs Puerto Rico WBC Game on March 13, 2023
Where will Nicaragua vs Israel be played in the 2023 World Baseball Classic?
The game between Israel vs Puerto Rico for Group D of the 2023 World Baseball Classic will be played at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
When will Nicaragua vs Israel be played in the 2023 World Baseball Classic?
The game between Nicaragua vs Israel for Group D of the 2023 World Baseball Classic will be played next Monday, March 13 at 7:00 PM E.T.
All odds are courtesy of BetMGM.
Betting on Israel
- WBC Record: 1-0
- Best position: Second round (2017)
- Runline: N/A
- Moneyline: +420
- Over/Under: 9
Israel began its debut in the 2023 World Baseball Classic on the right foot by defeating Nicaragua 3-1, even though it was not a smooth victory, as the Israeli team had to turn the game around.
The Nicaraguans scored a run in the fifth inning, and it wasn’t until the eighth inning that Israel managed to turn the score around, with three runs scored by Michael Wielansky and Garrett Stubbs off the bat of major-leaguer Jonathan Loáisiga.
This result was extremely important because Israel will now have to face Venezuela and Dominican Republic, which are much more complicated opponents. Even though both, Dominican Republic and Venezuela, are waiting for them after this match against Puerto Rico, if Israel wins again, it would be on their way to qualifying for the knockout stage.
Starting Pitcher: Colton Gordon
Betting on Puerto Rico
- WBC Record: 1-1
- Best position: Runner-up (2013, 2017).
- Runline: N/A
- Moneyline: -500
- Over/Under: 9
Puerto Rico was expected to be the one fighting against Venezuela and the Dominican Republic for a ticket to the next round. Therefore, this game could be the turning point in its campaign, as a loss would make a deep wound in the Puerto Ricans.
Puerto Rico won its debut against Nicaragua by a resounding 1-9, but in its second game, it could not do the same against Venezuela, as Omar Lopez’s team was superior, beating them 9-6.
The island team had to swim against the tide from the start, as their starter, José Berríos, allowed 6 runs (five clean) against the Venezuelan lineup in only 1.0 innings of action. Although the Boricuas attempted a comeback by scoring five runs in the last 4 innings, the distance was already too great for them.
It is now in third place in the standings, and this match against Israel must be won at all costs. A defeat would complicate its situation even more, as the Dominican Republic awaits them in its last match of the group.
Starting Pitcher: José de León
JefeBet Prediction
If anything has characterized Puerto Rico’s games in this World Baseball Classic, it is the emotions, with all the games having at least ten runs, and this one may not be the exception.
The Puerto Rican pitching has been quite weak in the tournament, and although the Israeli lineup is not the best in the competition, they will take advantage of any opportunity to put some runs on the scoreboard.
As for Israel, it may have limited Nicaragua to just one run, but now they will face a much better offense that features well-known and powerful names such as Eddie Rosario, Javier Baez, Kike Hernandez and many others.
Forecast: Over (ISR 4 – PTR 7)
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