“[The umpire] knew he was wrong,” said Geraldo Perdomo following a controversial strike call that marked the end of the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic semi-final against the USA. The game, held at loanDepot Park, concluded with the Dominican Republic losing 2-1, a heart-wrenching result for a team that had reached the semi-finals for the first time since winning the title in 2013.
Junior Caminero made headlines by hitting a solo home run, contributing to the Dominican Republic’s record of 15 home runs in the tournament. Despite this achievement, the team struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with Paul Skenes pitching 4.1 innings and allowing just one run on six hits.
The USA’s bullpen proved formidable, holding the Dominican Republic scoreless for 4.2 innings, which ultimately sealed the game in favor of the Americans. Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony each hit home runs for the USA, showcasing their offensive prowess.
“I’m still waiting for our offense to explode,” remarked Mark DeRosa, reflecting the frustrations felt by the Dominican team. Luis Severino pitched 3.1 innings for the Dominican Republic, averaging an impressive 98.1 mph on his fastball, yet it was not enough to secure a victory.
The game was broadcast on the Fox family of networks, bringing the excitement of the World Baseball Classic to a wider audience. The USA will now advance to face Venezuela in the championship game on March 17, 2026, marking their third consecutive appearance in the WBC title game.
As the Dominican Republic reflects on their performance, they can take pride in having six players in the top 10 of MVP voting last year, a testament to their talent and competitiveness in international baseball.
Despite the loss, the Dominican Republic’s journey in this tournament has been marked by resilience and record-breaking performances. The team will undoubtedly look to build on this experience for future competitions.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for the Dominican team as they regroup after this semi-final exit.
