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Team USA was able to narrowly defeat the Dominican Republic, 2-1, on Sunday night to advance to the finals of the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
But the final at-bat came under fire when American closer Mason Miller caused Dominican shortstop Geraldo Perdomo to strike out. Juan Soto also struck out against a similar pitch from David Bednar in the eighth inning. Soto’s strikeout ended the Dominican Republic’s chances of tying the game, while Perdomo’s strikeout ended the game.
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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)
The call sparked a debate on social media.
FOX Sports announcers Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Derek Jeter also weighed in.
“A ball that’s about four inches down, too close. But this is Cory Blaser’s hot zone and he’s down. Sure enough, he lived up to his scouting report,” Rodriguez said. “You hate to end such a big game, with these kinds of consequences on a field that is not a strike.”
Dominican Republic’s Juan Soto strikes out during the eighth inning of a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the United States, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
SUPPORT, SCHEDULE, CLASSIFICATION OF THE 2026 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC
Ortiz said that if the umpire was calling for 100 mph pitches high in the zone, then Miller’s pitch low in the zone could not have been a strike.
“I’m pretty sure they’ll have the challenge system in place for the next WBC,” Jeter said. “You hate to end a game that way. But you give credit to the United States. Not only did they pitch well, but they hit two home runs. They played great defense, whether it was Aaron (Judge) with the throw to third base, Bobhy Witt with the plays he made, they saved a run early on by knocking down a ball as well. Great pitching, great defense, the United States deserves to go to the finals.”
American pitcher Mason Miller and catcher Will Smith celebrate in the bottom of the ninth inning during the semifinal game of the World Baseball Classic against the Dominican Republic, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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The United States team will wait for the winner of Venezuela and Italy.
