U.S. advances to WBC final after contested called strike
PUBLISHED Mar 16, 2026, 2:03 AM ET
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MIAMI — Team USA defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 Sunday night in a World Baseball Classic semifinal that ended on a called third strike, leaving the Dominicans eliminated and Team USA advancing to the championship game Tuesday. The game featured dominant U.S. pitching, a two-out home run by Junior Caminero for the D.R., and controversy over a low full-count slider called a strike on Geraldo Perdomo. Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball-Strike system is scheduled to debut March 25, prompting questions about adoption in international play. Fan reaction in affected countries was followed closely. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By James Porter | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Regular WBC tournament play led to a U.S.-D.R. semifinal matchup.
- Sunday night: United States won 2-1; final out was a called third strike on Perdomo.
- Players and managers commented publicly, expressing frustration or restraint.
- MLB had announced the Automated Ball-Strike system rollout for March 25.
- Media and stakeholders began discussing ABS adoption for future WBC events.
News Intelligence
- This game's end stirred controversy. It raises questions about the use of tech in sports. The MLB's Automated Ball-Strike system debuts March
- 2
- Could it be used in future international games? Keep an eye on this if you're a baseball fan.
- Articles Published:
- 12
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 3
- Neutral:
- 9
- Distribution:
- Left 25%, Center 75%, Right 0%
Major League Baseball and proponents of automated strike technology received renewed attention and momentum for deployment as the controversial call highlighted perceived inconsistencies in human officiating and the upcoming ABS rollout.
The Dominican Republic team, its players and many fans suffered immediate competitive and emotional harm from the game-ending called strike, which eliminated them from the tournament and prompted public criticism.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Commentary: U.S. reaches WBC final, but struggles at the plate threaten its title hopes
Los Angeles Times The New York Times The New York TimesFrom Center
U.S. advances to WBC final after contested called strike
WKMG Winnipeg Free Press AZ Central Sportsnet ESPN.com The New York Times DominicanToday.com The Lethbridge Herald - News and Sports from around Lethbridge SentinelSource.comFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
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