Team USA’s win over Dominican Republic sparks massive ratings spike

Team USA’s dramatic victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) on Sunday night broke viewership records, FOX Sports said on Tuesday.

The game attracted 7,369,000 viewers on FS1 and FOX Deportes, becoming the most-watched WBC telecast on any network. The semi-final matchup was up against the Academy Awards, which drew 17.9 million viewers but was down 9% from 2025 and drew the fewest viewers since 2022.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com

The high-stakes game between the United States and the Dominican Republic went down to the wire, as Roman Anthony and Gunnar Henderson propelled the team to victory. The game also ended with a controversial strike three that appeared to be out of zone.

Regardless, FOX Sports said the FS1 broadcast attracted 6,864,000 viewers. It was FS1’s most-watched telecast since 2019 and ninth of all time. FOX Sports said the game was the most-watched sporting event of the weekend.

Dominican Republic Geraldo Perdomo reacts after striking out in the bottom of the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the United States, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

VENEZUELA HERO EUGENIO SUÁREZ TAKES ADVANTAGE OF FAITH AFTER IMPACTING THE US TEAM: ‘ALL THE GLORY GOES TO THE LORD JESUS’

Ratings for the game between the United States and Venezuela will be released later this week. The United States team could not find a way to beat Venezuela in the final of the World Baseball Classic.

Eugenio Suárez had the go-ahead RBI in the top of the ninth inning after Bryce Harper tied the game in the eighth inning with a two-run home run.

The United States team celebrates after defeating the Dominican Republic in a semifinal game of the World Baseball Classic, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP

It was Venezuela’s first victory in the World Baseball Classic.