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Team USA was able to narrowly defeat the Dominican Republic 2-1 on Sunday night to advance to the World Baseball Classic (WBC) finals.
But the final game came under fire when American closer Mason Miller got Dominican Republic shortstop Geraldo Perdomo to strike out. Juan Soto also struck out and looked at a similar pitch from David Bednar in the eighth inning. The Soto strikeout ended the Dominican Republic’s chances to tie the game, while Perdomo’s strikeout ended the game.
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Dominican Republic’s Geraldo Perdomo reacts after striking out in the bottom of the ninth inning in a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the United States, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
The call sparked a debate on social media.
FOX Sports broadcasters Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Derek Jeter also weighed in.
“A ball that’s about four inches down, too close. But this is Cory Blaser’s hot zone and it’s down. Certainly he lived (up) to his scouting report,” Rodriguez said. “You just hate to end a game that big with those kinds of consequences on a pitch that’s not a strike.”
Dominican Republic’s Juan Soto strikes out during the eighth inning of a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the United States, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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Ortiz said that if the umpire called 100 mph pitches in the zone strikes, then the pitch from Miller low in the zone could not have been a strike.
“I’m pretty sure they’ll have the challenge system in place for the next WBC,” Jeter said. “You hate to end a game like that. But you give USA credit. Not only did they hit well, they hit two home runs. They played good defense — whether it was Aaron (Judge) with the throw to third base, Bobhy Witt with the plays he made — saved a run early by knocking a ball down as well. Great pitching, great defense, USA deserves to go to the finals.”
U.S. pitcher Mason Miller and catcher Will Smith celebrate in the bottom of the ninth inning during a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the Dominican Republic, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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Team USA awaits the winner of Venezuela and Italy.
