SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Missing an injured Alex Rodriguez and several other stars, the Dominican Republic flopped at the plate today and was upset by Netherlands 3-2 in their World Baseball Classic opener.

It was a startling loss for the heavily favored Dominicans, considered contenders to win the 16-team tournament. Now, they are one defeat from elimination in Group D pool play.

The Dominican Republic had a chance to tie it in the ninth after Willy Taveras drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on Robinson Cano's hit-and-run groundout. But the speedy Taveras was thrown out trying to steal third with slugger Hanley Ramirez at the plate.