USA Beats Dominican Republic in WBC Thriller, Advances to Final

A Back-and-Forth Battle for the Ages

Team USA is going back to the World Baseball Classic final! In a super intense game in Miami, they beat the Dominican Republic 2-1. They’ll now face either Venezuela or Italy in the championship game.

Both teams brought their best. The crowd was loud, the plays were clutch, and the energy was electric from start to finish.

DR Draws First Blood

Caminero’s Early Blow

The Dominican Republic got on the board first. Their young star, Junior Caminero, hit a huge home run off USA pitcher Paul Skenes in the second inning. The ball flew over 400 feet to left field, and the DR dugout went wild.

USA’s Young Stars Answer Back

Henderson Ties It Up

USA manager Mark DeRosa made a big decision to put Gunnar Henderson at third base instead of a defensive specialist. It paid off immediately. In the fourth inning, Henderson crushed a home run to right-center field, tying the game 1-1.

Anthony Gives USA the Lead

Right after Henderson, 21-year-old Roman Anthony came up to bat. After a full count, he got a fastball right down the middle and launched it over the center-field wall. Team USA took a 2-1 lead, and the whole team mobbed Anthony in celebration.

Defensive Gems and Tough Pitching

Judge’s Arm Shines

Earlier in the game, Aaron Judge made a huge play. He threw out Fernando Tatis Jr. trying to go from first to third base, showing his arm is strong and ready for the season.

Pitching Changes and a Jam

USA starter Paul Skenes pitched 4.1 innings, giving up just one run on Caminero’s homer. DR starter Luis Severino was also great, striking out six batters. Both starters were pulled as the bullpens took over.

In the seventh inning, USA reliever David Bednar got into trouble with runners on second and third. But he struck out the next two batters, Tatis and Ketel Marte, to keep the lead safe.

The Final Out

Miller Closes It Out

All-Star closer Mason Miller came in for the ninth inning to shut the door. He quickly got one strikeout, but then walked a batter and another reached on a passed ball, putting runners on second and third.

With the game on the line, Miller faced Geraldo Perdomo. After a full count, Perdomo took a nasty slider at the bottom of the zone for strike three. The game was over, and Team USA was heading to the WBC final!