USA advances to World Baseball Classic final after controversial ending

Team USA defeats Dominican Republic 2-1 to reach championship game, but the ending sparks debate over automated ball-strike system

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:04pm

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The United States national baseball team defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 to advance to the World Baseball Classic final, but the game ended in controversy over a questionable called strike three that eliminated the Dominican Republic. While Team USA earned the win, the dramatic ending has reignited calls for the implementation of an automated ball-strike system in high-profile international tournaments.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is one of the premier international baseball competitions, featuring many of the sport's biggest stars. The controversial ending to the USA-Dominican Republic semifinal game has sparked renewed debate about the need for automated umpiring technology to ensure fairness and consistency, especially in high-stakes tournament settings.

The details

In the bottom of the ninth inning with the USA leading 2-1, Dominican Republic batter Geraldo Perdomo appeared to draw a walk that would have kept the game alive. However, home plate umpire Cory Blaser called the pitch a strike, ending the game and sending the USA to the final. Replays showed the pitch was well below the strike zone, leading to widespread criticism of the call.

  • In the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs and a runner on third base, the controversial called strike three ended the game.
  • Earlier in the game, umpire Cory Blaser had also called out Juan Soto on a low third strike in the eighth inning.

The players

Team USA

The United States national baseball team that advanced to the World Baseball Classic final.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican national baseball team that was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic after the controversial ending.

Cory Blaser

The home plate umpire whose called strike three ended the game and eliminated the Dominican Republic.

Geraldo Perdomo

The Dominican Republic batter who was called out on a controversial strike three to end the game.

Paul Skenes

The young American pitcher who delivered a gutsy performance to help lead Team USA to victory.

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What they’re saying

“We can't know what would have happened next. Miller was at 22 pitches. Tatis was in the on-deck circle. Would it have been a walk-off homer? A single to send the game to extra innings? Or maybe we would just have gotten another 60 seconds of this electricity before Miller retired Tatis to end it.”

— Levi Weaver, Author

“If they can get this right in a meaningless spring-training game, why not for such a high-profile one?”

— Evan Drellich

“That's something about Paul. He's always been so focused and determined in everything he does. You can really see a focus or a mentality shift with him from the moment he gets here. He's ready to go from pitch No. 1.”

— Chase Spencer, Former teammate of Paul Skenes at Air Force

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.