The United States advanced to the final of the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic in the semifinal on March 15, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida.[1][2]

The Miami Marlins' stadium, which has a capacity of 36,742, was filled with more than 36,000 spectators.[3][4]

Gunnar Henderson, infielder for the Baltimore Orioles, hit a home run to tie the score. Roman Anthony, outfield prospect in the Boston Red Sox organization, hit the go-ahead home run. Junior Caminero, third baseman prospect for the Tampa Bay Rays, homered for the Dominican Republic off pitcher Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates.[1][2]

Aaron Judge, outfielder for the New York Yankees, made a defensive play by throwing out Fernando Tatis Jr., outfielder for the San Diego Padres representing the Dominican Republic, at third base. Judge also hit a ball that appeared headed for a home run or extra bases but was caught by Dominican Republic center fielder Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners.[1][2]

A controversial called third strike contributed to the United States' victory.[1][2]

Judge described the atmosphere after the game: "It was bigger and better than the World Series. The passion that these fans have, representing their country, representing some of their favorite players, there’s nothing like it. You get chills standing there on the line, hearing them announce all the names. It was like an All-Star team they got over there."[1]

Roman Anthony referred to watching the 2023 World Baseball Classic final between the United States and Japan in person: "Coming to the WBC here, you dream of representing this country and being here the next time around."[1][2]

The United States had defeated Canada in the quarterfinals on March 13, 2026, at Daikin Park in Houston.[1]

Team USA will face the winner of the Venezuela-Italy semifinal in the championship game.[1][2]

Sources

1. MLB.com, World Baseball Classic, accessed March 16, 2026, https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic
2. World Baseball Softball Confederation, World Baseball Classic 2026, accessed March 16, 2026, https://www.wbsc.org/en/event/world-baseball-classic-2026
3. Associated Press, Baseball Hub, accessed March 16, 2026, https://apnews.com/hub/baseball
4. Miami Marlins, loanDepot park, accessed March 16, 2026, https://www.mlb.com/marlins/ballpark