Controversial strike three gives Team USA win at World Baseball Classic, social media erupts

[aggregator] downloaded image for imported item #52100

This post was originally published on this site.

Team USA was able to narrowly defeat the Dominican Republic, 2-1, on Sunday night toadvance to the World Baseball Classic(WBC) final.

But the final at-bat came under fire as U.S.closer Mason Miller got Dominican Republic shortstop Geraldo Perdomo to strike out looking.Juan Sotoalso struck out looking on a similar pitch from David Bednar in the eighth inning.The Soto strikeout ended the Dominican Republic’s chances of tying the game, while Perdomo’s strikeout ended the game.

Geraldo Perdomo reacts after striking out

Dominican Republic Geraldo Perdomo reacts after striking out at the end of the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the United States, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Read More → Not just tariffs: Foreign nations profited off of us — now Trump is striking back

The call sparked a debate on social media.

“A ball that’s about four inches down, too close take.But this is Cory Blaser’s hot zone and it’s down.Sure enough, he lived (up) to his scouting report,” Rodriguez said.“You just hate to end a game this big, with these types of consequences on a pitch that’s not a strike.”

Read More → Smart pill confirms when medication is swallowed

Juan Soto strikes out

Dominican Republic’s Juan Soto strikes out during the eighth inning of a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the United States, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Read More → Gulf states intercept hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones, issue joint condemnation with US

2026 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC BRACKET, SCHEDULE, STANDINGS

Read More → ‘SuperAgers’stay mentally sharp well past 80, as scientists reveal the reason

Ortiz said if the umpire was calling 100 mph pitches up in the zone strikes, then the pitch from Miller low in the zone couldn’t have been a strike.

“I’m pretty sure they’re going to have the challenge system in place for the next WBC,” Jeter said.“You hate to end a game that way.But you give credit to the U.S.They not only pitched well, they hit two home runs.They played great defense – whether it was Aaron (Judge) with the throw to third base, Bobhy Witt with the plays that he made – saved a run early on by knocking a ball down as well.Great pitching, great defense, U.S.deserves to go to the final.”

Mason Miller celebrates

United States pitcher Mason Miller and catcher Will Smith celebrate at the end of the ninth inning during a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the Dominican Republic, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

Team USAwill awaitthe winner of Venezuela and Italy.

�s

Must Read

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top