The United States are in the gold medal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Tuesday night in Miami. In the quarterfinals, the United States defeated Canada 5-3 on Friday night, and then in the semifinals on Sunday, the United States defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1.
In both games, there were questionable calls when it came to balls and strikes that went in favour of the United States. In the quarterfinal, it appeared Canadian pitcher Mike Soroka had thrown a strike in a key situation, but it was called a ball. Then in the semifinal, American pitcher Mason Miller ended the game with a controversial strikeout on Geraldo Perdomo, which appeared to be a pitch low and outside the strike zone.
One of the key plays in the game in the American win over the Dominican Republic was an Aaron Judge throw from right field. On this particular play, Judge threw out Fernando Tatis Jr. at third base with an accurate strike that deserved the highest of praise.
Judge’s throw seemed to give Team USA confidence and momentum. That is because in the fourth inning, the Americans had solo dingers from Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony. Henderson and Anthony are both American League East divisional foes (Henderson with the Baltimore Orioles and Anthony with the Boston Red Sox) who are teammates currently, and have both hit two home runs at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The United States will now play the winner of Italy and Venezuela in the other semifinal on Monday night in Miami. In the quarterfinals on Saturday, Venezuela beat Japan 8-5 and Italy beat Puerto Rico 8-6.
