The WBC Semifinals picture became clearer after Team USA secured a tense 5–3 victory over Canada on Friday night in Houston. The win officially booked the Americans a place in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, where they will face the powerful Dominican Republic in what many expect to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament.
Dominican fans had already begun chanting “Queremos a USA” (We want USA) after their team dominated South Korea earlier in the day. Their wish has now been granted, setting up a highly anticipated WBC Semifinals showdown in Miami.
Dominican Fans Get the Matchup They Wanted
Following the Dominican Republic’s dominant victory over Korea, fans inside LoanDepot Park loudly demanded a clash against the United States. Their chants echoed through the stadium as they called for a meeting in the WBC Semifinals.
That matchup became official after the United States defeated Canada 5–3, moving one step closer to defending its position among the tournament’s elite teams.
The semifinal game will take place Sunday at 8 p.m. in Miami, bringing together two of the strongest rosters in the entire World Baseball Classic.
This will also mark the first meeting between the U.S. and Dominican Republic in the WBC since 2017, when the Americans eliminated the Dominicans in the quarterfinal round on their way to winning their only WBC championship.
The Dominican Republic also owns one WBC title, which they captured in 2013.
Pitching Duel Expected in the WBC Semifinals
The upcoming WBC Semifinals matchup will feature a fascinating pitching battle.
National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes is expected to take the mound for Team USA. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic is likely to start Luis Severino, the experienced right-hander from the Oakland Athletics.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa expressed excitement about the contest.
“I expect it to be one of the best games of all time,” DeRosa said about the upcoming WBC Semifinals matchup.
With two talented rosters and elite pitching options, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
Team USA Takes Early Lead Against Canada
The American team jumped ahead quickly during its WBC quarterfinal game against Canada.
In the first inning, Kyle Schwarber drove in the opening run with a groundout to give Team USA a 1–0 lead.
The Americans added two more runs in the third inning after a defensive error by Canada. Third baseman Abraham Toro fielded a ground ball with the bases loaded but threw the ball over first baseman Josh Naylor’s head, allowing two runners to score.
Later in the sixth inning, singles from Brice Turang and Pete Crow-Armstrong pushed the score to 5–0, giving Team USA a comfortable cushion.
Logan Webb Delivers Strong Start
Starting pitcher Logan Webb played a crucial role in the American victory.
The right-hander delivered 4⅔ scoreless innings, allowing only four hits while striking out five batters. Webb relied on a mix of his sinker, changeup, and sweeper, keeping Canadian hitters off balance throughout his outing.
After throwing 71 pitches, Webb exited the game to a standing ovation from the crowd of 38,054 fans at Daikin Park.
His performance set the tone for Team USA’s push toward the WBC Semifinals.
Canada Fights Back Late
Despite trailing by five runs, Canada mounted a comeback attempt.
Reliever Brad Keller allowed Canada’s first run in the sixth inning on an RBI single from Tyler Black.
Shortly afterward, left-handed reliever Gabe Speier surrendered a two-run home run to Bo Naylor, cutting the American lead to 5–3.
The pressure continued in the following inning when David Bednar allowed two infield singles and a passed ball, leaving runners on second and third with no outs.
However, Bednar escaped the jam after:
- Josh Naylor popped out
- Tyler O’Neill struck out
- Owen Caissie chased a splitter on a full count
The threat ended without further damage.
Relievers Garrett Whitlock and Mason Miller then recorded the final six outs, sealing Team USA’s place in the WBC Semifinals.
Team USA Offense Still Searching for Rhythm
Although the Americans advanced to the WBC Semifinals, their offensive consistency remains a concern.
Team USA exploded for 24 runs against Brazil and Great Britain early in the tournament. However, their production has slowed significantly since then.
Examples include:
- Five runs vs Mexico, all scored in one inning
- Six runs vs Italy, after trailing 8–0
- Five runs vs Canada, despite facing mostly minor-league pitchers
Team captain Aaron Judge emphasized the need for a more balanced offensive approach.
“If we’re going to win this tournament like we believe we can, it’s going to take more than home runs,” Judge said. “We have to move runners and play small ball when needed.”
Dominican Republic Dominating the Tournament
While Team USA searches for offensive rhythm, the Dominican Republic lineup has been unstoppable.
Through five victories in the tournament, the Dominicans have outscored opponents 51–10.
Their team hitting numbers are impressive:
| Category | Dominican Republic Stats |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .312 |
| On-Base Percentage | .453 |
| Slugging Percentage | .637 |
| Home Runs | 14 |
Those 14 home runs are tied for the most by any team in the 20-year history of the World Baseball Classic.
Team USA star Bryce Harper acknowledged the challenge.
“They’re young, they’re talented,” Harper said. “One through nine in that lineup can hit for power and average.”
Paul Skenes Could Be Key for Team USA
Despite offensive concerns, Team USA remains confident thanks to Paul Skenes.
The ace delivered four dominant innings against Mexico earlier in the tournament, showing why he is considered one of baseball’s brightest pitching stars.
Manager Mark DeRosa expects Skenes to throw around 75–80 pitches in the WBC Semifinals, slightly below the 95-pitch limit allowed for semifinal and championship games.
Aaron Judge expressed confidence in the young pitcher.
“I like any game that Paul Skenes pitches,” Judge said. “It’s incredible stuff.”
The stage is officially set for one of the most exciting games of the World Baseball Classic as the WBC Semifinals bring together Team USA and the Dominican Republic.
The Americans reached the WBC Semifinals after defeating Canada 5–3, thanks to strong pitching from Logan Webb and timely hitting. However, they will face a much tougher challenge against a Dominican squad that has dominated the tournament offensively.
With Paul Skenes expected to start for Team USA and a Dominican lineup packed with power hitters, Sunday’s WBC Semifinals game promises to deliver high drama and elite baseball on the global stage.