Placed in Pool D for the opening round, the Dominican Republic swept through the group, defeating Venezuela, Italy, and Australia at Cracker Jack Stadium in Lake Buena Vista, United States.

The Dominicans were placed in Pool D of the 2009 World Baseball Classic, playing their opening round games at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Considered one of the pre-tournament favorites with multiple Major League Baseball All-Stars, they were upset in their opening game of the modified double-elimination pool by the Netherlands.

A victory over Spain and a Puerto Rico win over Venezuela ensured advancement to the second round; the Dominicans clinched the top seed by defeating the hosts.

In the second round, the Dominicans rallied past upstart Italy despite an early 4–0 deficit at Marlins Park in Miami, United States.

Another victory over Puerto Rico ensured the Dominicans of the top seed and a chance to avoid two-time defending champions Japan national baseball team.

After an early 1–0 deficit, four 5th-inning runs pushed the Dominican Republic into the final, where a 3–0 victory over Puerto Rico gave them their first-ever World Baseball Classic title.