The United States achieved the impossible on Sunday: silencing the potent offensive of the Dominican Republic in the semifinals to defeat them 2-1 and advance to the final of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Team USA not only relied on airtight pitching for nine innings but also showcased spectacular defense, which thwarted all attempts by the team managed by Albert Pujols throughout the game. Despite a home run from Junior Caminero against the Pittsburgh Pirates' ace, Paul Skenes, which put the Dominican Republic ahead in the bottom of the second inning, the Latin squad could not do more damage. The Dominican Republic likely has the most talented team in the tournament, but our guys didn't flinch. 'Total respect to the DR team, they are warriors,' said Miller after Team USA's victory. 'This is the baseball the world wanted to see,' said USA manager Mark DeRosa. The Dominican Republic set the record for most home runs in a single edition of the World Baseball Classic with 15, thanks to Caminero's blast, but that's all they have to celebrate in 2026. Once again, the Latin American team fell short despite having a title-favorite team. However, the United States had a tremendous credit. The Dominican lineup went 9-for-2 with runners in scoring position and left 8 runners on base. 'Having the Dominican fanbase screaming on every pitch tests you. It's an honor to wear this uniform and have the opportunity to fight for gold,' Skenes told MLB Network. Offensively, Team USA also did damage with just two hits: home runs from Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony in the fourth inning against Luis Severino and Gregory Soto, respectively, were enough for the team to advance to a final where they await the winner of the Venezuela vs. Italy game. In one of the most intense games of the World Baseball Classic, it will always be remembered the home run that Julio Rodriguez robbed from Aaron Judge in the top of the fifth inning and the throw with which the New York Yankees captain made out Fernando Tatis Jr. at third base in the third chapter. And indeed, the defense seen at loanDepot park was elite. Now the United States becomes the favorite to win the World Baseball Classic, after eliminating the most spectacular team in the tournament that delighted all its fans in Miami with its home runs. 'We knew facing that Dominican lineup was like walking through a minefield. 'I've played in noisy ballparks, but this was another level. I attacked the zone and, although there was tension at the end, we achieved our goal. I just tried to keep the ball down and trust my defense. The relief pitching (Bednar, Whitlock, Miller) was the key today. Skenes worked 4.1 innings with two strikeouts and only one clean run allowed, and the relievers Tyler Rogers, Griffin Jax, David Bednar, Garrett Whitlock, and Mason Miller did not allow any runs in the rest of the game.'
