Team USA Advances to WBC Semifinals: A Clash with the Dominican Republic Looms
HOUSTON – After a stressful and at times frustrating 10-day stint in Houston, Team USA secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a 5-3 victory over Canada on Friday night. The team will now travel to Miami to face the powerful Dominican Republic on Sunday night at loanDepot Park.
A Hard-Fought Victory Over Canada
The game wasn’t easy. Team USA built a 5-0 lead, but Canada refused to travel quietly. The Canadians narrowed the gap to 5-3 in the sixth inning with a two-out single and a home run. The seventh inning brought further tension, with Canada loading the bases and threatening to tie the game. However, strong defensive plays and pitching from David Bednar ultimately ended the inning with no further damage.
USA reliever David Bednar faced a challenging seventh inning, giving up back-to-back infield hits. A passed ball by catcher Cal Raleigh further complicated matters, putting runners on second and third with no outs. Despite the pressure, Bednar managed to escape the inning with a strikeout and a pop-up.
Webb’s Dominant Performance Sets the Tone
Starter Logan Webb delivered a strong performance, pitching 4 ⅔ scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out five. His 70-pitch outing was crucial in setting the tone for the game. Webb won’t pitch again in the WBC, having allowed just five hits and one run in 8 ⅔ innings throughout the tournament, with 11 strikeouts.
Webb described the experience of listening to the national anthem before his start as emotionally impactful, noting feelings he hadn’t experienced in a long time.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Errors
Team USA’s offense struggled to get going until late in the game, but benefited from defensive errors by Canada. Two runs scored in the third inning due to a dropped ball and a wild throw. Another two runs were added in the sixth inning, again aided by defensive miscues.
Kershaw’s Role and Future Outlook
Despite being on the roster, three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw did not pitch in any of Team USA’s games in Houston. He will be replaced by Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan for the next round. Teammates praised Kershaw’s presence and preparation throughout the tournament.
Looking Ahead: The Semifinal Matchup Against the Dominican Republic
The semifinal clash against the Dominican Republic promises to be a formidable challenge. The Dominican Republic secured their spot in the semifinals after defeating Korea. Team USA will necessitate to elevate their game to compete with the Dominican Republic’s powerful lineup.
FAQ
Q: Where will the USA vs. Dominican Republic game be played?
A: loanDepot Park in Miami.
Q: When is the game scheduled?
A: Sunday night, March 15, 2026.
Q: Who is Logan Webb?
A: The starting pitcher for Team USA who delivered a strong performance against Canada.
Q: Will Clayton Kershaw pitch in the semifinals?
A: No, Clayton Kershaw will be replaced by Joe Ryan on the roster for the next round.
Did you know? Team USA has now beaten Canada three times in international competition in the last three weeks, including victories in men’s and women’s hockey at the Olympics.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Team USA’s pitching rotation as they face the Dominican Republic’s potent offense. Strong pitching will be key to their success.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as Team USA continues its journey in the World Baseball Classic. Buy Miami World Baseball Classic tickets!
