MIAMI — Team USA outlasted a star-studded Dominican Republic squad 2-1 in a gripping World Baseball Classic semifinal on Sunday night at loanDepot park, advancing to the championship game for the third consecutive tournament and setting up a potential classic finale.

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The Americans, seeking to defend their 2023 title and claim their second WBC crown, relied on dominant pitching from Paul Skenes and clutch home runs from Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony to secure the narrow victory. The game ended on a controversial called third strike in the ninth inning, with reliever Mason Miller fanning Geraldo Perdomo on a borderline slider to strand the tying run at third base.

Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace and reigning National League Cy Young winner, delivered a strong start, allowing one run over 4 1/3 innings on four hits with two strikeouts. He exited after 71 pitches, setting the tone for a bullpen that stifled the Dominican lineup featuring stars like Juan Soto, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Dominican Republic struck first in the bottom of the second when Junior Caminero launched a solo home run to center field off Skenes, giving the hosts a brief 1-0 lead. But Team USA responded in the fourth, with Henderson tying the game on a solo shot and Anthony delivering the go-ahead homer later in the inning. Those two blasts accounted for all of the Americans' offense, as both teams combined for just 15 hits in a low-scoring pitchers' duel.

Relievers for both sides shone in the late innings. The Dominican bullpen, led by closer Gregory Soto—who took the loss after allowing one of the home runs—kept USA off the board after the fourth. For the Americans, the bullpen locked down the final 4 2/3 innings, with Miller earning the save by striking out the side in the ninth despite the drama on the final pitch.

Postgame, several Dominican players and coaches expressed frustration with the decisive strike call, with Perdomo and manager Carlos Mendoza arguing it was low and outside. Replays showed the pitch on the edge of the zone, but plate umpire's decision stood. "It was a tough way to end it," Mendoza said. "We battled, we had chances, but one pitch decides it."

The win improves USA's record to 3-1 in knockout play, continuing their dominance in recent WBC editions. They advanced past Canada 5-3 in the quarterfinals, showcasing depth across the roster that includes MLB standouts like Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr. and Bryce Harper.

The Dominican Republic, undefeated through pool play and the quarterfinals—including a 10-0 mercy-rule win over Korea—fell to 4-1. Their offense managed eight hits but stranded eight runners and went hitless in the final five innings against USA pitching.

The game lived up to preseason hype as a dream matchup between two baseball powerhouses. The Dominican Republic entered as defending 2013 champions with a deep lineup, while Team USA boasted elite talent and recent success. The contest featured high drama, stellar defense—including a highlight-reel catch by one American outfielder—and tension that had fans on edge throughout.

With the victory, USA awaits the winner of Monday's semifinal between Italy and Venezuela. Italy has been the tournament's surprise story, upsetting Puerto Rico in the quarters, while Venezuela stunned defending champion Japan. The championship is set for Tuesday night at loanDepot park.

USA manager Mark DeRosa praised his team's composure. "This is what the WBC is about—big moments, big players stepping up," he said. "Skenes was electric, our offense got just enough, and the bullpen was lights out. We're one win from repeating."

The Dominican Republic's loss ends a strong campaign marked by blowout wins and resilience. Caminero's homer and strong starting pitching kept them in contention, but they couldn't capitalize on late opportunities.

The 2026 WBC has delivered upsets, high-scoring games and intense rivalries, with Miami hosting the knockout rounds. USA's path to the final underscores their status as favorites, but the championship opponent—whether Italy's Cinderella run or Venezuela's momentum—promises another chapter in international baseball drama.

As the tournament nears its climax, focus shifts to Tuesday's title game, where Team USA aims to cement its legacy in the premier global baseball event.