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The American team managed to narrowly defeat the Dominican Republic, 2-1, on Sunday evening, to qualify for the final of the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
But the final at-bat came under fire as U.S. closer Mason Miller called on Dominican Republic shortstop Geraldo Perdomo to strike out. Juan Soto also struck out a similar pitch from David Bednar in the eighth inning. Soto’s takedown ended the Dominican Republic’s chances of tying the match, while Perdomo’s takedown ended the match.
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Dominican Republic’s Geraldo Perdomo reacts after being pulled out at the end of the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the United States, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
This call sparked a debate on social networks.
FOX Sports broadcasters Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Derek Jeter also spoke.
“A ball that’s about four inches deep, too close a catch. But that’s Cory Blaser’s hot zone and it’s down low. Sure enough, he met his scouting report,” Rodriguez said. “You just hate to end a game that important, with those kinds of consequences on a pitch that’s not a strike.”
Dominican Republic’s Juan Soto hits 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 referee ordered 100 mph pitches in zone strikes, then Miller’s throw low in the zone could not have been a strike.
“I’m pretty sure they’ll implement the challenge system for the next WBC,” Jeter said. “You hate to end a game that way. But you give credit to the U.S. They not only pitched well, but they hit two home runs. They played great defense – whether it was Aaron (Judge) with the throw to third base, Bobhy Witt with the plays he made – also saved a run early on by knocking down a ball. Great pitching, great defense, the U.S. deserves to go to the finals.”
U.S. pitcher Mason Miller and catcher Will Smith celebrate 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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The American team will await the winner of Venezuela and Italy.
