United States edges Dominican Republic advancing to WBC Final

Miami, Florida – It all came down to the final pitch as the United States topped the Dominican Republic 2-1, punching their ticket to the championship. Paul Skenes dueled Luis Severino in a battle defined by three home runs, huge defensive plays, and a controversial strike three call in the ninth. With two outs and Julio Rodriguez 90 feet from home, Geraldo Perdomo struck out looking on the payoff pitch that was, in fact, shown to be a ball. The ABS was not implemented for the World Baseball Classic.

MASON MILLER WINS THE BATTLE

TEAM USA WINS THE GAME! #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/IJCG9vjv5r

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 16, 2026

This was the 15th meeting between the teams, with the USA now leading the all-time series 9-6, including five straight victories. Junior Caminero broke the deadlock at the bottom of the second. He took Skenes deep for the Dominican Republic’s 15th home run of the tournament, a new WBC record. The US tried to respond during the third, placing two runners in scoring position after Bryce Harper’s double. Severino ended those hopes, striking out Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber to get out of the jam. Gunner Henderson, who is historically successful against Severino, tied the game in the fourth. He launched a deep ball to right-center field. Gregory Soto replaced Severino two batters later as Roman Anthony welcomed him with a solo shot of his own, gifting the US the go-ahead lead.

DR scores first. They set a new WBC record with their 15th HR of the tournament.#WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/4eVmpNs1oZ

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 16, 2026

The Dominican Republic had four opportunities to score. They didn’t cash in on any. The Dominicans loaded the bases in the fourth. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled, followed by a single from Manny Machado with one out. Rodriguez was then beaned to load ’em, yet Skenes escaped getting the dangerous Austin Wells to pop out to left field. Skenes ended his night tossing four and a third innings, allowing a run on six hits and striking out two. He departed in the fifth with the Dominican Republic threatening with two on and one out. Juan Soto grounded into a 6-3 double play. Additionally, keep in mind Judge seemingly went yard towards center only to see Rodriguez snatch it up at the last second that same frame, keeping it a one-run contest.

Tie. Game. Henderson has Severino's number.#WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/c7w1hfDXeg

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) March 16, 2026

DR threatened again in the seventh inning with two in scoring position. David Bednar held firm, shutting the door on the Dominicans, fanning both Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ketel Marte. Despite vaulting Venezuela, the vaunted offense met its match. Skenes was one punchout away from joining Roger Clemens and Logan Webb as the only US pitchers with double-digit K’s at a single WBC. The US will play the winner of Italy versus Venezuela on Tuesday night.

ROMAN ANTHONY GIVES TEAM USA THE LEAD! #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/JjEYhF0rQe

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 16, 2026

Impressions

Verdict is in, you shouldn't run on Aaron Judge 💪#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/rBbtDkGvWV

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 16, 2026

What a game. There were so many emotions in this roller coaster ride. You never want it to end on a bad note. Granted, the Dominicans had their fair share of chances, and the calls were spotty on several occasions. However, there is an undeniable fact that some folks are willfully forgetting. Had this been done to the Americans, they’d be crying foul. Say otherwise, and you’re lying to yourself.

I’ve covered enough games and seen plenty of sweet victories and bad losses to know that you never want to leave it in the hands of the officials. I had my doubts on the US side, especially after their loss to Italy and scraping past Canada. Now? They look like the team to win, fun vibes or no. Of course, Venezuela might have something to say to that. And that’s if the Italians don’t continue their Cinderella run. Regardless of how you feel about tonight’s game, this has been a great tournament. Two more to go.

About Post Author

Gabriel Garcia

Just an avid sports fan who happens to have a love-hate (mostly love) relationship with his local teams be it collegiate or professional and also happens to be a news junkie. Mix in outstanding optimism with cold realism and you’ve got yourself a balanced cocktail perfect for champions.

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