The United States defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 in a thrilling World Baseball Classic semi-final on Sunday, advancing to the title game despite a controversial final pitch that drew criticism from Dominican players.
Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony homered for the USA, while Paul Skenes pitched 4.1 innings, allowing one run on six hits. The Dominican Republic threatened in the ninth when Julio Rodríguez walked and advanced to third, but Mason Miller struck out Geraldo Perdomo on a pitch that appeared low. With no automated ball-strike system in the WBC, the Dominicans could not challenge. Perdomo later said, 'The umpire knew he was wrong. I knew it was 100% wrong,' but acknowledged the missed call did not decide the game.
Junior Caminero hit a solo homer in the second for the Dominicans, setting a tournament record with 15 home runs. The USA will face the winner of Monday's semi-final between Italy and Venezuela in Tuesday's final, seeking their second WBC title after winning in 2017.
