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Gunnar Henderson's Homer Sends USA to WBC Finals

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles helped Team USA defeat the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) semifinals.
He hit a fourth-inning homer that tied the game and sent the United States to the final.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa chose Henderson over veteran Alex Bregman due to Henderson's track record against Luis Severino, and Henderson has a .500 batting average in the tournament.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 marked a significant moment in international baseball, featuring 16 teams and culminating in Japan's 10-6 victory over Cuba on March 20. This tournament, which showcased professional players from around the globe, established a new platform for national pride and competition, influencing the sport's evolution and the careers of players like Gunnar Henderson in 2023.

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Story summary

Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles helped Team USA defeat the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) semifinals.
He hit a fourth-inning homer that tied the game and sent the United States to the final.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa chose Henderson over veteran Alex Bregman due to Henderson's track record against Luis Severino, and Henderson has a .500 batting average in the tournament.

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