USA vs Dominican Republic: USA edge Dominican Republic in a nail-biter to reach World Baseball Classic final after controversial last pitch

World Baseball Classic semifinal drama unfolded on Sunday night as the United States edged the Dominican Republic 2-1 in a tense contest to book a place in the tournament final. The Dominican Republic struck first in the bottom of the second inning when Junior Caminero launched his third home run of the tournament, giving his team an early 1-0 advantage and energizing the crowd. Team USA responded in the fourth inning with back-to-back solo home runs. Gunnar Henderson tied the game with a powerful shot before Roman Anthony followed moments later with another homer that pushed the United States ahead 2-1.


rom that point on, the game turned into a defensive battle. US starter Paul Skenes held firm through several tense moments, including escaping a bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning. He pitched 4.1 innings, allowing multiple hits but limiting the damage while striking out two batters and maintaining a strong tournament ERA.



Dominican Republic starter Luis Severino began the night in dominant fashion. He struck out Bobby Witt Jr. and Bryce Harper early and finished with six strikeouts in just over three innings before Henderson’s homer ended his outing. Defensive highlights kept the score tight. In one spectacular moment, Julio Rodríguez leaped at the wall to rob Aaron Judge of what appeared to be a sure home run.


Despite collecting seven hits, the Dominican lineup could not find another run against the US bullpen. The game ultimately ended in controversy in the ninth inning when closer Mason Miller threw a low pitch to Geraldo Perdomo on a full count that was called a strike, even though it appeared outside the zone.

The call sealed a dramatic victory for the United States, sending Team USA back to the World Baseball Classic final after a tense defensive showdown.