Dominican Republic vs USA: 2026 World Baseball Classic Semifinals Showdown
Photo credit: https://www.mlb.com/
Here we go! Dominican Republic takes on USA in a matchup of WBC juggernauts.
With the pool rounds complete and the bracket set, a long-anticipated showdown in the World Baseball Classic has finally arrived.
Team USA and Dominican Republic national team two rosters packed with All-Stars, MVPs, Silver Slugger winners, Gold Glove defenders, and Cy Young aces, will meet in the semifinal at loanDepot park with a place in the championship game on the line.
Team USA handed the ball to reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, the ace of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Skenes was dominant in pool play against Mexico, surrendering just one hit and one walk while striking out seven over four scoreless innings.
The Dominican Republic countered with Luis Severino, who delivered a solid outing earlier in the tournament against the Netherlands national baseball team.
Team USA has also made a few lineup adjustments. Gunnar Henderson is set to take over at third base for Alex Bregman, while Will Smith will step in behind the plate for Cal Raleigh.
Power has been a key part of the American offense, with Aaron Judge and Pete Crow-Armstrong each launching two home runs during the tournament.
Team USA Starting Lineup
1. Bobby Witt Jr, SS - Royals
2. Bryce Harper, 1B - Phillies
3. Aaron Judge, RF - Yankees
4. Kyle Schwarber, DH - Phillies
5. Gunnar Henderson, 3B - Orioles
6. Will Smith, C - Dodgers
7. Roman Anthony, LF - Red Sox
8. Brice Turang, 2B - Brewers
9. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF - Cubs
SP Paul Skenes
2. Bryce Harper, 1B - Phillies
3. Aaron Judge, RF - Yankees
4. Kyle Schwarber, DH - Phillies
5. Gunnar Henderson, 3B - Orioles
6. Will Smith, C - Dodgers
7. Roman Anthony, LF - Red Sox
8. Brice Turang, 2B - Brewers
9. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF - Cubs
SP Paul Skenes
Team Dominican Republic Starting Lineup
1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
2. Ketel Marte, 2B
3. Juan Soto, LF
4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B
5. Manny Machado, 3B
6. Junior Caminero, DH
7. Julio Rodriguez, CF
8. Austin Wells, C
9. Geraldo Perdomo, SS
2. Ketel Marte, 2B
3. Juan Soto, LF
4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B
5. Manny Machado, 3B
6. Junior Caminero, DH
7. Julio Rodriguez, CF
8. Austin Wells, C
9. Geraldo Perdomo, SS
The Dominican lineup is equally formidable. Stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Junior Caminero give manager Albert Pujols a dangerous array of options.
The Dominicans have flexed their power throughout the tournament, with eight different players homering and the team tying a tournament record with 14 total home runs.
Meanwhile, Team USA's path to the semifinal wasn't as smooth.
The Americans benefited from help by Italy national baseball team in the standings before a strong pitching performance from Logan Webb against Canada national baseball team secured their advancement.
This semifinal also renews a rivalry that hasn't been seen in the tournament since the 2017 World Baseball Classic, when the two teams split their meetings.
Team USA ultimately had the final say, defeating the Dominican Republic in the quarterfinals on its way to capturing its first WBC title.
Now, years later, another chapter in the rivalry is about to be written.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Former Toronto Blue Jays ace calling it a career, retiring following Dominican Republic 10-0 rout
Former Toronto Blue Jays ace calling it a career, retiring following Dominican Republic 10-0 rout
| POLL | ||
MARS 15|71 ANSWERS Dominican Republic vs USA: 2026 World Baseball Classic Semifinals Showdown Who will win tonight's WBC clash between the Dominican Republic and USA? | ||
| Dominican Republic | 29 | 40.8 % |
| USA | 42 | 59.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
BLUE JAYS CENTRAL
COPYRIGHT @2026 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS OF SERVICE - PRIVACY POLICY - COOKIE POLICY
COPYRIGHT @2026 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS OF SERVICE - PRIVACY POLICY - COOKIE POLICY