In their first match of the second round, the defending champions fell to a 1-3 defeat to Puerto Rico, which was their first loss at the tournament since 2009. 

They responded by defeating the Venezuelans 3-0 to boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

Two solo home runs from Gregory Polanco and Nelson Cruz proved key as Venezuela failed to post a score thanks to a dominant pitching display led by Edinson Volquez.

Robinson Cano added a third run for the Dominicans.

"It's very difficult to win a tournament," said the Dominican Republic's manager Tony Pena.

"When we lost the first game with Puerto Rico, the boys responded very well.

"When you lose, I think you open your eyes and you say it's not so simple."

As a result of the defeat Venezuela's chances of progressing now look slim, with them needing to beat Puerto Rico to have any chance of reaching the last four.

Action in Pool F is due to resume tomorrow when the United States take on Puerto Rico before Venezuela then meet the Puerto Ricans later in the evening at the Petco Park.

The semi-finals are due to take place on March 20 and 21 before the final brings the competition to a close on March 22.

Japan and The Netherlands have already secured their places in the last four after they finished top and second of Pool E respectively.

All three of the final matches are set to take place at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.