Paul Skenes Leads Team USA to World Baseball Classic Final

On March 15, 2026, Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' ace and reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, took the mound for Team USA in a high-stakes semifinal match against the Dominican Republic during the World Baseball Classic (WBC). The game, held at loanDepot Park in Miami, was pivotal, with the winner advancing to the championship game. Skenes pitched 4.1 innings, allowing only one run on six hits, while striking out two batters. His performance was crucial in securing a narrow 2-1 victory for the United States.

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Skenes faced a formidable Dominican lineup featuring stars such as Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. Despite allowing a solo home run to Junior Caminero in the second inning, Skenes demonstrated remarkable composure, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning by getting Austin Wells to fly out. His ability to manage pressure was noted by Team USA manager Mark DeRosa, who praised Skenes for his maturity and presence on the mound.

Paul Skenes Dominates Dominican Republic Stars as USA Secures World Baseball Classic Final Berth

Olivia Dunne, Skenes' girlfriend and a prominent NCAA gymnast, shared her experience watching the game on social media. She posted a TikTok video expressing her nervousness as Skenes navigated the high-pressure situation, captioning it, "When someone says they’re stressed but they’ve never watched their man get out of a bases loaded jam repping the USA." Dunne later commented that she was "not cut out for this," highlighting the emotional toll on partners of athletes during critical moments.

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Team USA's victory was bolstered by timely hitting, with Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony each hitting solo home runs in the fourth inning to give the U.S. a lead. The American pitching staff, including relief pitchers David Bednar and Mason Miller, effectively shut down the Dominican offense, allowing only one run throughout the game. Skenes concluded his WBC run with a 2-0 record and a 1.08 ERA over 8.1 innings pitched, striking out nine batters and showcasing his elite pitching skills on an international stage.

Pirates Teammate Reacts To Paul Skenes’ World Baseball Classic Gem

Skenes' performance in the WBC has drawn attention not only for his individual achievements but also for the potential impact on his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. As the team prepares for the upcoming MLB season, Skenes expressed his desire to bring the excitement and intensity of the WBC experience back to Pittsburgh. "Hopefully we’ll implement some of it in Pittsburgh, things that can make us better just by seeing how the best in the world go about their business," he stated.

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Following the game, Skenes reflected on the significance of representing the United States, stating, "The proudest I’ve ever been wearing a jersey is the USA jersey." He emphasized the importance of the moment, noting that playing for one's country carries a different weight than playing for a club team. Meanwhile, Dominican Republic manager Albert Pujols acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but emphasized the team's resilience, stating, "It wasn’t meant to be."

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With the semifinal victory, Team USA advances to the WBC championship game, where they will compete for their first title since 2017. Skenes will not pitch in the final but will return to the Pirates for the regular season, where he is expected to play a pivotal role in the team's efforts to improve after several seasons of underperformance.

Pirates Teammate Reacts To Paul Skenes’ World Baseball Classic Gem