Team USA booked their place in the World Baseball Classic final with a nail-biting 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in the semi-final. The game was decided by a controversial strike call in the ninth inning, which ended the Dominican Republic's hopes of a comeback.
The USA pitching staff was the hero, with Paul Skenes impressing early and the bullpen holding firm against a powerful Dominican lineup. Mason Miller and Garrett Whitlock delivered crucial outs, while David Bednar escaped a bases-loaded jam in the seventh.
Offensively, the USA managed just two runs against a so-so Dominican bullpen, but it proved enough. The game's pivotal moment came in the ninth when, with runners on base, a low pitch was called a strike to end the contest, sparking debate among fans and pundits.
The Dominican Republic had their chances, including a walk to load the bases in the ninth, but could not deliver the tying hit. The USA will now face either Venezuela or Italy in the final.
