Team USA Advances to World Baseball Classic Championship After Thrilling Semifinal Win Over Dominican Republic
MIAMI – Team USA is heading back to the World Baseball Classic final for the third consecutive tournament, having outlasted a powerful Dominican Republic squad 2-1 in a tense semifinal matchup Sunday night at loanDepot park. The United States will face the winner of Monday’s Italy vs. Venezuela game in the championship on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET (FOX).
A Pitching Duel and Timely Hitting Propel USA to Victory
The game, featuring a star-studded lineup from both sides, lived up to its billing as a high-level contest. Paul Skenes, the highly touted pitching prospect, delivered a strong performance, gutting through 4 1/3 innings and allowing just one solo home run despite facing a formidable Dominican lineup. Skenes allowed six hits with no walks and two strikeouts.
“The D.R. Is the toughest lineup I’ve ever faced, for sure,” Skenes said. CBS Sports
Henderson and Anthony Provide Offensive Spark
Solo home runs from Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony provided the offensive firepower for Team USA. Henderson, who replaced Alex Bregman in the lineup, blasted a Luis Severino cutter in the fourth inning to tie the game. Two batters later, Anthony continued his impressive performance in the Classic, launching a 3-2 sinker 421 feet to center field, giving the Americans a 2-1 lead. Sports Illustrated
Anthony reflected on the moment, noting a full-circle experience after attending the 2023 WBC championship game as a Minor Leaguer. Sports Illustrated
Dominican Republic Falls Short Despite Strong Effort
The Dominican Republic struck first in the second inning with a solo home run from Junior Caminero off Skenes. Luis Severino pitched effectively, striking out Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber in succession to strand runners in scoring position. But, the Dominican lineup struggled to string together hits and capitalize on opportunities, leaving eight runners on base.
The game ended with closer Mason Miller stranding Julio Rodriguez on third base, securing the victory for Team USA. USA Today
Bullpen Brilliance Seals the Deal
Team USA’s bullpen was instrumental in preserving the lead, allowing no runs on two hits and one walk with eight strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings. Tyler Rogers, Griffin Jax, David Bedar, Garrett Whitlock, and Mason Miller all contributed to the dominant relief effort. Sports Illustrated
DeRosa’s Strategic Decisions Pay Off
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa received praise for his strategic decisions, including replacing underperforming players with Henderson and Will Smith, both of whom made significant contributions. Sports Illustrated
Looking Ahead to the Championship
Team USA will now await the winner of the Italy vs. Venezuela semifinal to determine their opponent in the World Baseball Classic championship game on Tuesday. The Americans will aim to secure their second WBC title, having previously won in 2017. CBS Sports