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USA Looks to Finish Strong at WBC Championship
Mets rookie Nolan McLean gets the start as Team USA aims for gold medal
Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:48pm
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After knocking off the Dominican Republic in the semifinals, Team USA is set to face the winner of Italy-Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic championship game. USA captain Aaron Judge rallied the team, reminding them to stay focused on the task at hand. Mets rookie Nolan McLean, who nearly missed the WBC due to vertigo-like symptoms, will take the mound for the Americans as they look to capture the gold medal.
Why it matters
The World Baseball Classic is a prestigious international tournament that showcases the best baseball talent from around the globe. For Team USA, winning the championship would be a major accomplishment, cementing their status as one of the premier baseball nations. The game also provides a platform for rising stars like Nolan McLean to shine on the global stage.
The details
Team USA advanced to the championship game after defeating the Dominican Republic in the semifinals. In the clubhouse after the win, captain Aaron Judge gave an impassioned speech, reminding the team to stay focused on the task at hand. Mets rookie Nolan McLean will get the start for the Americans, looking to redeem himself after a shaky outing against Italy earlier in the tournament. McLean nearly missed the WBC entirely due to vertigo-like symptoms but is now feeling 100% and ready to help his team capture the gold medal.
- Team USA defeated the Dominican Republic in the semifinals on March 16, 2026.
- The World Baseball Classic championship game will be played on March 18, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET.
The players
Aaron Judge
The captain of Team USA and a star outfielder for the New York Yankees.
Nolan McLean
A 24-year-old rookie pitcher for the New York Mets who will start the championship game for Team USA.
Mark DeRosa
The manager of Team USA.
David Ross
The bullpen coach for Team USA.
Christian Scott
A Mets teammate of Nolan McLean who plans to attend the championship game.
What they’re saying
“He gave a great speech. He said, 'Keep the focus on one more. Great win, but we got one left.'”
— David Ross, Bullpen Coach, Team USA
“I'm fully past all that now and I'm feeling good.”
— Nolan McLean, Pitcher, Team USA
“Putting U.S. on your chest and going out there and competing, obviously means the world. As a competitor and as someone, if you work your whole life at something, you want to be put in these spots. So it's just kind of a dream come true to be able to get the ball in such a big moment, and it's something I want to do.”
— Nolan McLean, Pitcher, Team USA
What’s next
The winner of the Italy-Venezuela semifinal game will face Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship on March 18, 2026.
The takeaway
Team USA is one win away from capturing the World Baseball Classic gold medal, a feat that would cement their status as one of the premier baseball nations in the world. With captain Aaron Judge rallying the troops and young Mets pitcher Nolan McLean taking the mound, the Americans have a chance to finish the job and bring home the championship.
