Oakland Athletics prospect Darell Hernaiz delivered a dramatic 10th-inning walk-off home run to lead Puerto Rico to a thrilling 4-3 win over Panama on Saturday night at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. The late-game blast, part of the World Baseball Classic, completed a stunning comeback and registered as the second walk-off homer in World Baseball Classic history on the same day.
The 24-year-old San Juan native, who batted .231 with two home runs in limited MLB play last season, smashed a 374-foot homer to left field against Panama’s Severino González. This clutch performance was especially significant as Hernaiz stepped up filling in for Puerto Rican star Francisco Lindor, who was sidelined with an elbow injury.
“It’s something that’s truly unforgettable. I blacked out, I don’t remember anything. I just remember that I hit the ball into the field.”? Darell Hernaiz, Infielder
A Tense Battle Unfolds in San Juan
Panama appeared close to an upset for much of the game, taking a 2-0 lead in the fifth inning thanks to RBI doubles by Christian Bethancourt and Luis Castillo. Panama’s starter Ariel Jurado held Puerto Rico scoreless through five innings, maintaining his team’s advantage.
The atmosphere was electric at Hiram Bithorn Stadium as fans eagerly witnessed the unfolding drama. Puerto Rico broke through in the sixth inning with Nolan Arenado driving in their first run via a sacrifice fly, though the home team failed to convert a bases-loaded, no-out chance shortly after. Another scoring opportunity arose in the seventh inning with runners on first and third, but Matthew Lugo struck out swinging, leaving the threat unresolved.
The most intense moments came in the ninth inning. Trailing 2-1, Puerto Rico loaded the bases with one out, and Willi Castro walked to bring in the tying run. The crowd of 18,925 erupted in celebration as the game was knotted at 2-2.
Panama answered back in the top of the 10th with José Caballero’s RBI single reclaiming the lead at 3-2. However, Puerto Rico’s resilience showed as Carlos Cortes grounded into a double play that simultaneously scored the tying run. With everything on the line, Hernaiz stepped to the plate for the decisive at-bat.
Unprecedented World Baseball Classic Walk-Offs
Earlier that day in Miami, Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves hit the first walk-off home run in World Baseball Classic history, securing a 4-3 victory for the Netherlands over Nicaragua. Hernaiz’s late-game homer just hours later made for a historic double celebration of walk-off finishes in the tournament.
Puerto Rico’s manager, Yadier Molina, commended his young shortstop’s calm approach in pressure situations.
You see what he did tonight?
Molina remarked with a laugh.
We spend a lot of time studying our guys to prepare ourselves as a team. He’s one of those guys that cares about the team, and he’s here for a reason.
?
Even Francisco Lindor, watching from home during recovery, expressed his excitement through social media, sharing a jubilant video of his reaction and continuing his tradition of FaceTiming Puerto Rico’s celebrations despite being unable to play.
José Espada earned the pitching win by delivering two strong innings of relief, allowing two hits and recording a strikeout. This win positions Puerto Rico well for advancement in the World Baseball Classic, with a critical matchup against Cuba scheduled for Monday night.
Hernaiz’s Moment of Triumph Elevates Puerto Rico’s Hopes
Though Hernaiz modestly admits he is
“not a guy to take it out of the park,”
this walk-off homer stands as a career highlight that led Puerto Rican fans to celebrate deep into the night. The victory keeps their World Baseball Classic hopes alive and fuels excitement across San Juan, where Marc Anthony’s Preciosa was sung enthusiastically as an unofficial anthem for the home team.
