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Team USA Edges Dominican Republic in Controversial Semifinal

3/17/2026

43 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Team USA defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the World Baseball Classic semifinal.
The game featured a disputed strikeout call against Geraldo Perdomo (Dominican Republic) that drew wide criticism.
Juan Soto (Team USA) criticized the decision, saying, "We showed the world who’s the best team in baseball."
Albert Pujols (Dominican Republic manager) refused to blame the umpire.
Team USA will face Italy or Venezuela in the championship.

History

Historical Context

The World Baseball Classic (WBC) began in 2006, filling a void for an international baseball tournament featuring professional players. Japan triumphed over Cuba 10-6 in the inaugural final, showcasing the sport's global appeal. This event followed the Baseball World Cup, which had been held since 1938, and marked a significant shift in promoting baseball worldwide, influencing future competitions and player development.

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Story summary

Team USA defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the World Baseball Classic semifinal.
The game featured a disputed strikeout call against Geraldo Perdomo (Dominican Republic) that drew wide criticism.
Juan Soto (Team USA) criticized the decision, saying, "We showed the world who’s the best team in baseball."
Albert Pujols (Dominican Republic manager) refused to blame the umpire.
Team USA will face Italy or Venezuela in the championship.

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