It hasn’t always been easy for Team USA this tournament, but they got over the line with a 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in the semifinals.
A controversial third strike call to end the game will be scrutinized, especially when the tying run was on third base, but that will not take away from a strong defensive showing from the Americans.
Fourth-Inning Power Swing Turns the Game
Paul Skenes got the start and recorded the win, as he threw 4.1 innings, allowing just one run. Junior Caminero got the scoring started in the second inning, as his solo home run to left-center field gave the Dominican Republic a narrow lead. However, the lead didn’t last long, as the USA responded with a pair of solo shots in the fourth inning.
Gunnar Henderson leveled up the contest before Roman Anthony gave the USA the advantage two batters later. Luis Severino threw three scoreless innings before Henderson came up to bat and was promptly pulled after allowing a run.
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Strike Zone Controversy Overshadows Dominican Exit
While a single play never determines a baseball game, the manner in which this one ended left a sour taste in the mouths of the Dominican Republic. A full count in the ninth inning with the tying run on third base was a serious opportunity for the Dominican Republic to walk this one off, but a low strike three call ended their tournament.
Juan Soto was also caught looking at an inning-ending pitch in the 8th that was outside the zone but called a strike. He later said that he was proud of his teammates and that everyone ‘saw who the better team was,’ implying they deserved a spot in the WBC Finals.
There was clear frustration from the dugout, but the team emerged from the locker room two hours later with smiles on their faces after a deep tournament run.
USA Survives the Pressure with One More Test Ahead
Despite scoring only a single run, the Dominican Republic consistently caused problems for the American pitching staff. They logged 8 hits for 13 total bases, tacking on a walk and a stolen base in the defeat. None of their offense proved decisive, as the six pitchers to take the mound for the USA found a way to win when it mattered most.
For the USA, they are now one win away from erasing their early-tournament setbacks. Postgame, Aaron Judge said the World Baseball Classic is ‘bigger and better’ than the World Series. The three-time AL MVP hasn’t tasted victory in the MLB yet, but he will have the chance for his first team accolade in the WBC Finals on Tuesday night.
In the other semifinal, Italy and Venezuela face off for the opportunity to clash with the USA in the finals. Venezuela is seen as the tougher opponent, but Italy’s Cinderella story run, which included an 8-6 win over the USA in the group stage, has shown no signs of slowing down.
