NEWS: Dominican team loses heartbreaker to USA in WBC semifinal

The powerful lineup of the Dominican Republic national team came up just short in a dramatic World Baseball Classic semifinal on March 15, falling 2–1 to Team USA in a tense game that ended with the tying run stranded at third base.

The Dominican Republic, which had dominated opponents throughout the 2026 tournament with its explosive offense, found itself locked in a pitcher’s duel against a determined American staff led by Paul Skenes.

The Dominican team struck first in the second inning when Junior Caminero hit his third homer of the tournament. The solo blast, the team’s 15th, set a WBC record.

Team USA answered back in the fourth with a solo shot against starter Luis Severino and another against reliever Gregory Soto, making it a 2-1 game that remained the final score as both bullpens bore down in a frenzied loanDepot park in Miami.

The Dominicans mounted one final rally in the ninth, but left the tying run at third as shortstop Geraldo Perdomo struck out on a controversial call.

Team USA advanced to the championship game to be held March 17 against the winner of the Venezuela-Italy semifinal matchup.