Red Sox Reliever Dominates Team USA's Biggest Bats

Garrett Whitlock's perfect eighth inning against Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Manny Machado earns high praise from manager Mark DeRosa.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:04pm

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In a crucial eighth-inning appearance for Team USA against the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic, Boston Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock struck out Juan Soto, got Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to ground out, and forced Manny Machado to chase three sliders outside the zone. USA manager Mark DeRosa called Whitlock "absolutely nasty" after the dominant performance that set up the save and sent the Americans to the championship game.

Why it matters

Whitlock's dominance against the heart of the Dominican lineup in a high-stakes elimination game showcased his elite stuff and poise on the big stage. The Red Sox have long valued Whitlock as a key bullpen piece, and his WBC performance has earned him even more national recognition.

The details

With Team USA clinging to a 2-1 lead in the top of the eighth inning, Whitlock took the mound to face the dangerous trio of Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Manny Machado. He struck out Soto looking on a slider, got Guerrero to weakly ground out, and forced Machado to chase three sliders outside the zone for the strikeout. Whitlock's flawless outing set up the save and helped punch Team USA's ticket to the WBC championship game.

  • Whitlock's dominant eighth inning came in the top of the frame on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Garrett Whitlock

A relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who has been dominant in his World Baseball Classic appearances, including a perfect eighth inning against the heart of the Dominican Republic lineup.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, who praised Whitlock's performance as "absolutely nasty" after the game.

Juan Soto

A star outfielder for the Dominican Republic national team and one of the three batters Whitlock faced in the crucial eighth inning.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

A star infielder for the Dominican Republic national team and one of the three batters Whitlock faced in the crucial eighth inning.

Manny Machado

A star infielder for the Dominican Republic national team and one of the three batters Whitlock faced in the crucial eighth inning.

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What they’re saying

“Garrett Whitlock is absolutely nasty.”

— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager

What’s next

Team USA will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the championship game on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Garrett Whitlock's dominant performance against the heart of the Dominican Republic lineup in a high-pressure World Baseball Classic elimination game has further cemented his status as one of the top relief pitchers in baseball and a key piece of the Boston Red Sox bullpen.