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Bautista: No better feeling than winning for your country

Alex Trautwig / Major League Baseball / Getty

While the World Baseball Classic has no shortage of detractors, there's plenty of passion for the tournament coming from the clubhouse of the Dominican Republic.

The reigning WBC champ routed Canada 9-2 in Thursday's Pool C opener at Marlins Park in front of a highly pro-Dominican crowd that provided a playoff-like atmosphere.

Though a number of stars declined invitations to play from the United States, Canada, and other countries, the Dominican side is loaded with the country's best, and those players believe the camaraderie created through their passion is an advantage.

"We're united. Since the first day, the first meeting, we just decided to play together, do what it takes for the name on the front and not on the back," Jose Bautista told Jon Morosi of MLB Network after the game. "It just feels like this group is really pulling for each other and pulling the rope in the same direction."

Bautista went 3-for-4 with a three-run home run and four RBIs. The team pounded out 15 hits against Canada.

"Knowing you can contribute in any baseball game feels good, but doing it for your country and doing it with this group of guys - where everybody's a superstar - there's no better feeling," Bautista said.

The Dominicans are favorites to win, and their main competition is the U.S. The two countries will clash Saturday in Miami in the most highly anticipated game of the first round.

"I expect it to be even more energetic," Bautista said. "I think the crowd's going to be into it and it's gonna be a great game."

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