Pitching and defense carry Team USA in Miami thriller
Team USA booked their place in the World Baseball Classic championship game after a tense 2 to 1 victory over the Dominican Republic in front of a packed crowd at loanDepot Park in Miami. While many expected a game dominated by power hitting, it was the American pitching staff that made the biggest difference against one of the most dangerous lineups in the tournament.
The Dominican Republic had been averaging more than 10 runs per game entering the semifinal, but USA pitchers kept that offense under control for most of the night. The only run they allowed came in the second inning, when Junior Caminero launched a two out home run. Even though the Dominicans collected eight hits, they repeatedly failed to produce the big moment they needed.
The game ended with closer Mason Miller getting the final out and leaving Julio Rodriguez stranded at third base, sealing an emotional win for the Americans.
Two fourth inning home runs changed the game
After falling behind early, USA turned the contest around in the fourth inning with back to back power that proved decisive. Gunnar Henderson hit a leadoff home run to tie the score, and not long after that Roman Anthony sent another ball deep to center field to put the Americans ahead 2 to 1.
Remarkably, those two swings were enough. USA managed only one more hit the rest of the game, but their pitchers and defenders protected the slim lead the rest of the way.
Aaron Judge praised the team effort afterward and spoke about how special it felt to be part of such a stage. Bobby Witt had said before the game that if USA played its own baseball, it could beat anyone in the world, and that belief held true in one of the most intense games of the tournament.
Stars everywhere, but USA arms stole the show
The matchup featured elite talent on both sides, with major names across the lineups and several recent MVP level players. Still, it was the American arms that stood tallest. Paul Skenes set the tone early and recovered well after the home run he gave up to Caminero. He escaped danger in later innings, including a key moment in the fourth when he got out of a bases loaded threat.
Judge also made a huge defensive play in the third inning with a perfect throw from the outfield to cut down Fernando Tatis Jr. at second base. That moment helped keep the game within reach and prevented the Dominican Republic from building momentum.
On the other side, Luis Severino showed strong velocity and worked out of trouble more than once, but the two home runs in the fourth inning ultimately cost his team.
Now USA moves on to Tuesday night’s final, where it will face the winner of the Venezuela and Italy semifinal. After falling short in the 2023 title game against Japan, the Americans are now one win away from lifting the trophy again.
