Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson Hits Clutch Home Run in USA's World Baseball Classic Win

Henderson's 4th-inning blast helped Team USA defeat the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the semifinals.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:07am

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Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson hit a crucial home run in the top of the 4th inning to tie the game at 1-1, and the USA went on to defeat the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic on Sunday. Henderson's 400-foot blast came off Athletics pitcher Luis Severino, whom Henderson has had success against in his career.

Why it matters

Henderson's performance in the World Baseball Classic showcases his talent and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, which will be valuable for the Baltimore Orioles as they look to build on their success in the 2025 season when Henderson was an All-Star and Silver Slugger winner.

The details

Henderson, who primarily plays shortstop for the Orioles, started at third base for Team USA on Sunday. He entered the game hitting 7-for-9 with a home run, double, and 4 RBIs in his career against Severino. Henderson's 4th-inning home run tied the game at 1-1 before Boston's Roman Anthony hit the go-ahead home run later in the inning to give the USA a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Gunnar Henderson

A second-round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019, Henderson is heading into his fourth full season with the team. In 2025, he batted .274 with 17 home runs, 68 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. He was an All-Star in 2024 and the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger winner.

Luis Severino

A pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, Severino faced off against Henderson in Sunday's World Baseball Classic semifinal game.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Roman Anthony

A Boston Red Sox player who hit the go-ahead home run for Team USA in the 4th inning.

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What they’re saying

“Playing the hot hand right? Gunnar's got numbers against Severino.”

— Mark DeRosa, USA Manager

What’s next

The USA will advance to the World Baseball Classic final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup between Japan and Mexico.

The takeaway

Gunnar Henderson's clutch home run in the World Baseball Classic semifinals showcases his ability to perform on the big stage, which will be crucial for the Baltimore Orioles as they look to build on their success and make a deep playoff run in the 2026 MLB season.