“This is what you dream about as a kid, playing with the best of the best,” said Aaron Judge after Team USA’s narrow victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic semifinal held at loanDepot Park in Miami on March 15, 2026.
The game concluded with a final score of USA 2, Dominican Republic 1, a result that propelled Team USA into the championship game. The match was characterized by a mix of strategic plays and standout performances from both teams, showcasing the talent present in international baseball.
In the second inning, Junior Caminero put the Dominican Republic on the scoreboard with a solo home run, giving his team an early lead. However, the tide turned in the fourth inning when Gunnar Henderson answered back for Team USA, hitting a remarkable 400-foot homer that tied the game. Just moments later, Roman Anthony followed suit with another solo shot, this one traveling 421 feet, which ultimately gave the USA the lead.
Paul Skenes, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, took to the mound for Team USA, allowing only one earned run while striking out two batters. His performance was pivotal in maintaining the lead and securing the win for his team. Despite the Dominican Republic’s eight hits throughout the game, they were unable to capitalize further, managing only the single run.
The atmosphere at loanDepot Park was electric, with a sellout crowd of 36,337 fans in attendance, all eager to witness this high-stakes matchup. The excitement was palpable as both teams fought for a chance to advance in the tournament.
“If we play our game, I feel like we can beat any team in the world,” Bobby Witt Jr. remarked, highlighting the confidence within the USA squad. The players demonstrated their skills on a grand stage, with Judge praising Anthony’s maturity, stating, “Roman’s a class act, just to be 21 years old, and to be doing what he’s doing on the biggest stage in baseball every single night.”
As the game concluded, the USA team celebrated their victory, knowing they would face the winner of the Venezuela-Italy semifinal in the championship game. The anticipation builds as fans and players alike look forward to the final showdown in this prestigious tournament.
“It’s funny to think about the American way of baseball and the Dominican way of baseball and all this kind of stuff,” Bryce Harper noted, reflecting on the cultural significance of the game. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, both teams showcased the spirit of baseball, leaving fans eager for more.
