Key moments
In a thrilling matchup on March 15, 2026, the USA secured a narrow victory over the Dominican Republic with a score of 2-1 at loanDepot Park in Miami. The game drew a sellout crowd of 36,337 fans, all eager to witness this high-stakes contest.
The Dominican Republic struck first when Junior Caminero hit a two-out homer in the second inning, sending the ball 401 feet into the stands. This early lead set the stage for a competitive game, but the USA responded with determination.
In the fourth inning, the USA turned the tide with two home runs. Gunnar Henderson launched a ball 400 feet, followed shortly by Roman Anthony, whose homer traveled an impressive 421 feet. These pivotal moments allowed the USA to take a 2-1 lead, showcasing their offensive prowess.
On the mound, Paul Skenes started for the USA, delivering a strong performance that kept the Dominican Republic at bay. Luis Severino took the mound for the Dominican Republic, facing a challenging lineup that ultimately managed to score only one run despite recording eight hits throughout the game.
The game concluded with closer Mason Miller retiring Geraldo Perdomo, sealing the victory for the USA. The final score of 2-1 reflected the intense competition and the high level of play from both teams.
Following the game, Aaron Judge expressed his excitement, stating, “This is what you dream about as a kid, playing with the best of the best.” Bobby Witt added, “If we play our game, I feel like we can beat any team in the world,” highlighting the confidence within the USA team.
Bryce Harper commented on the cultural significance of the event, saying, “It’s awesome to see all these cultures come together from Asia to Latin countries to America.” This sentiment resonates with the spirit of the World Baseball Classic, where diverse teams compete on a global stage.
Historically, the Dominican Republic has won two of three World Baseball Classic meetings against Team USA, making this victory particularly significant for the USA. Looking ahead, the USA will face the winner of the Venezuela-Italy semifinal in the championship game, aiming to continue their winning momentum.
