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World Series champion Doug Mientkiewicz took issue with media coverage surrounding Team USA’s close victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic on Monday.
The United States shut the door on the Dominican Republic in the ninth inning when Geraldo Perdomo struck out looking. The call for the third strike came when it appeared the ball was out of the zone and under Perdomo’s knees. Perdomo was in shock and the Dominican Republic players were not happy with the call.
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Kansas City Royals first baseman (11) Doug Mientkiewicz waits his turn for batting practice before the game against the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field in Chicago August 15, 2006. (Jerry Lai/USA TODAY Sports)
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Mientkiewicz, who won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox, suggested on social media that he wished the coverage had focused more on the United States’ victory than the Dominican Republic’s defeat.
“It’s a sad day when people who were born here and make their living in this country find excuses for a team to lose and hope the United States doesn’t win,” he wrote on
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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)
“Also, I have been fortunate enough to coach many players representing their countries from all over the world. I wanted them ALL to succeed. Good men who play the game with passion and a true love for the game – that being said… FINISH THIS THING!”
Perdomo and Juan Soto were among the Dominican Republic players frustrated with the ball.
“We showed the world who the best team in baseball is,” Soto told ESPN after the game. “That’s all I have to say.”
Perdomo added: “I knew 100 percent it was a ball.”
United States shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. reacts after throwing a double play in the fifth inning of a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the Dominican Republic, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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Now, the United States will face Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic final to win their second title.
