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World Series champion Doug Mientkiewicz took issue with the coverage of Team USA’s narrow victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic on Monday.
The United States closed the door on the Dominican Republic in the ninth inning when Geraldo Perdomo struck out looking. The third strike decision came when it appeared the ball was outside the zone and under Perdomo’s knees. Perdomo was shocked and the Dominican Republic players were unhappy with the call.
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Kansas City Royals first baseman (11) Doug Mientkiewicz waits his turn to take batting practice before the game against the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field in Chicago on August 15, 2006. (Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports)
As a famous New York Yankees baseball announcer said, “That’s baseball, Suzyn.”
Mientkiewicz, who won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox, suggested on social media that he wished the coverage had focused more on the United States winning the game and not the Dominican Republic losing.
“It’s a sad day when people who were born here and make a living in this country actually make excuses for a team to lose and hope America doesn’t win,” he wrote on
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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)
“Also, I have been fortunate enough to coach many players who represent their countries around the world. I wanted them ALL to succeed. Good men who play with passion and a genuine love for the game; that said… FINISH THIS THING!”
Perdomo and Juan Soto were among the Dominican Republic players frustrated with the ball.
“We showed the world who the best team in baseball is,” Soto told ESPN after the game. “That’s all I have to say.”
Perdomo added: “I knew 100% that it was a ball.”
American shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. reacts after completing a double play during the fifth inning of a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the Dominican Republic, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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Now, the United States will face Venezuela in the final of the World Baseball Classic in search of its second title.
