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World Baseball Classic 2026 Semifinal
Final Score
USA 2 – Dominican Republic 1
In one of the most dramatic games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the United States defeated the Dominican Republic 2–1 in a tense semifinal clash at loanDepot Park in Miami, securing a place in the tournament’s championship game.
The matchup had been widely anticipated as a battle between two of the most talent-packed rosters in international baseball. With superstars on both sides and a packed stadium atmosphere, the game ultimately became a classic pitcher’s duel decided by just two home runs and a controversial final strike call.
Game Overview
The semifinal delivered everything fans expected: elite pitching, explosive hitting potential, and dramatic late-inning tension.
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Final: USA 2 – Dominican Republic 1
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Tournament: 2026 World Baseball Classic
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Stage: Semifinal
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Venue: loanDepot Park, Miami
The victory sends Team USA to the WBC championship game, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Venezuela and Italy.
How the Game Unfolded
Early Breakthrough – Dominican Republic Strikes First
The Dominican Republic opened the scoring in the second inning.
Rising star Junior Caminero crushed a solo home run, giving the Dominican lineup an early 1–0 lead. The blast electrified the Dominican-heavy crowd and seemed to signal that their powerful offense might take control of the game.
However, that would turn out to be the Dominican Republic’s only run of the night.
Fourth Inning – USA Turns the Game Around
Team USA responded dramatically in the fourth inning.
First, Gunnar Henderson launched a towering solo home run to right-center field, tying the game 1–1.
Just two batters later, young slugger Roman Anthony delivered another solo shot, putting the United States ahead 2–1.
Those two home runs would ultimately decide the game.
Pitching Battle
Paul Skenes Sets the Tone
Team USA ace Paul Skenes delivered a strong performance on the mound.
Key stats from his outing:
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4⅓ innings pitched
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1 earned run
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0 walks
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Multiple strikeouts
His aggressive fastball and command kept the Dominican Republic’s powerful lineup — including stars like Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. — largely quiet.
Dominican Pitching Holds Strong
Dominican starter Luis Severino also pitched well.
He managed to keep the American lineup in check for much of the game, striking out several hitters and preventing rallies. But the two solo home runs in the fourth inning proved costly.
Defensive Highlights
Defense played a crucial role in the tight contest.
Some of the biggest moments included:
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Aaron Judge throwing out Fernando Tatis Jr. attempting to advance.
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Bobby Witt Jr. making a slick sliding stop at shortstop.
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Julio Rodríguez robbing Judge of a potential home run with a spectacular catch.
These defensive plays prevented additional runs and kept the game within a single score.
Ninth-Inning Drama
The game ended with controversy and tension.
Closer Mason Miller took the mound for the United States in the ninth inning. With the tying run on third base and two outs, Dominican batter Geraldo Perdomo faced a full count.
Miller threw a sharp slider that the umpire called strike three, ending the game.
The call was immediately debated, with some observers arguing the pitch was borderline outside the strike zone. Regardless, the call stood — sealing the 2–1 victory for the United States.
Key Players of the Game
Team USA
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Roman Anthony – Game-winning home run
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Gunnar Henderson – Solo home run to tie the game
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Paul Skenes – Dominant starting performance
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Mason Miller – Dramatic game-ending strikeout
Dominican Republic
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Junior Caminero – Solo home run
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Julio Rodríguez – Incredible defensive catch
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Luis Severino – Solid pitching start
Why This Game Was So Big
The matchup carried enormous stakes and global attention.
Both teams were widely considered tournament favorites, featuring rosters packed with Major League Baseball stars.
The Dominican Republic had entered the semifinal with one of the tournament’s most explosive offenses, scoring dozens of runs in earlier rounds, making the American pitching performance even more impressive.
For Team USA, the victory also means they advance to their third consecutive World Baseball Classic final, reinforcing their position as one of the tournament’s dominant teams.
What Happens Next
With the semifinal victory secured, the United States will now prepare for the WBC championship game.
Possible opponents:
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Venezuela
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Italy
The championship game will determine the 2026 World Baseball Classic champion and crown the best national baseball team in the world.
✅ Summary
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Final Score | USA 2 – Dominican Republic 1 |
| Tournament | 2026 World Baseball Classic |
| Stage | Semifinal |
| Game Hero | Roman Anthony |
| Winning Moment | Two USA home runs in 4th inning |
| Ending | Controversial strikeout in 9th |
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