Controversial Called Strike Ends Dominican WBC Loss, Ahead of Robot Umpires Debut

Disputed call comes just a week before MLB launches automated ball-strike system

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:24am

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A controversial called third strike ended the Dominican Republic's rally attempt and sent the United States into the World Baseball Classic title game. The close pitch that appeared low was called a strike by the home plate umpire, stranding the potential tying run at third base. The Dominican team disputed the call, but had no recourse since the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System was not yet in use for the tournament. The incident comes just a week before MLB is set to launch the robot umpire technology for the 2026 regular season and playoffs.

Why it matters

The disputed call highlights the ongoing debate around the use of technology in baseball to aid umpiring decisions. While the Automated Ball-Strike system is intended to improve accuracy, the "human element" of umpiring is still valued by some fans and players. This game-ending moment will likely reignite discussions about the pros and cons of adopting robot umpires in the sport.

The details

In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the U.S. leading 2-1, the Dominican Republic mounted a late rally. Geraldo Perdomo worked the count full against U.S. pitcher Mason Miller, who had been throwing pitches over 100 mph. Perdomo appeared to take a pitch that dropped below the strike zone, but home plate umpire Cory Blaser emphatically called it strike three, ending the game and sending the U.S. to the WBC championship.

  • The Dominican Republic's loss to the U.S. occurred on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
  • MLB's Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System is set to launch when the 2026 regular season begins on March 25, 2026.

The players

Geraldo Perdomo

A player for the Dominican Republic team who disputed the game-ending called strike three.

Mason Miller

The U.S. pitcher who threw the disputed pitch that ended the game.

Cory Blaser

The home plate umpire who made the controversial called strike three to end the game.

Bryce Harper

The U.S. first baseman who supported the umpire's call, saying "He called strike three. That's all I care."

Albert Pujols

The manager of the Dominican Republic team, who said he didn't want to "criticize any of that" regarding the disputed call.

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What they’re saying

“He knew he was wrong. I knew it was 100% wrong.”

— Geraldo Perdomo, Dominican Republic player

“It looked a little down. Yes, I'm glad we had no ABS. I'm happy that the human element was in full effect.”

— Pete Crow-Armstrong, U.S. outfielder

“I don't want to focus on the last pitch. I'm disappointed about the way that the game ends, but I don't want to criticize any of that. It just wasn't meant to be for us.”

— Albert Pujols, Dominican Republic manager

What’s next

The Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System will be implemented for the first time in MLB games starting on March 25, 2026, one week after this controversial World Baseball Classic game.

The takeaway

This game-ending moment highlights the ongoing debate around the use of technology in baseball umpiring. While the new Automated Ball-Strike system aims to improve accuracy, some players and fans still value the "human element" of umpiring. The incident will likely reignite discussions about the pros and cons of adopting robot umpires in the sport.