{"id":37533,"date":"2026-03-16T02:38:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T06:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/controversial-strike-call-ends-dominican-republics-world-baseball-classic-run\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T02:38:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T06:38:30","slug":"controversial-strike-call-ends-dominican-republics-world-baseball-classic-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/controversial-strike-call-ends-dominican-republics-world-baseball-classic-run\/","title":{"rendered":"Controversial Strike Call Ends Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic Run"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n

MIAMI (AP) \u2014 A controversial umpire’s call has reignited discussions about baseball’s human element versus technology, as the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic journey ended on a disputed strike three that many believed was outside the zone.<\/p>

With the potential tying run on third base and a full count, Dominican shortstop Geraldo Perdomo watched what appeared to be a low slider from Team USA’s Mason Miller and began walking toward his dugout, expecting ball four. Instead, home plate umpire Cory Blaser emphatically called strike three, securing a 2-1 victory for the United States and sending them to the championship game.<\/p>

“He knew he was wrong,” Perdomo stated after the game. “I knew it was 100% wrong.”<\/p>

The timing of the controversial call is particularly noteworthy, as Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System launches March 25 when the regular season begins. This technology, which will likely be implemented in future World Baseball Classic tournaments, would have allowed the Dominican Republic to challenge the call if they had appeals remaining.<\/p>

Team USA outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong acknowledged the pitch’s questionable location but expressed relief about the outcome. “It looked a little down. Yes, I’m glad we had no ABS,” Crow-Armstrong commented. “I’m happy that the human element was in full effect.”<\/p>

The dramatic moment unfolded when Perdomo, after hearing the strike call, raised his bat overhead in disbelief while still gripping it. Despite his frustration with the final pitch, the Arizona star maintained perspective about the loss.<\/p>

“We didn’t lose the game there,” Perdomo remarked.<\/p>

MLB announced last September that the automated system will be fully implemented for regular season and postseason play in 2026, following extensive testing in minor league baseball since 2019.<\/p>

Dominican manager Albert Pujols chose to focus on the bigger picture rather than dwelling on the final call. “I don’t want to focus on the last pitch,” Pujols explained. “I’m disappointed about the way that the game ends, but I don’t want to criticize any of that. It just wasn’t meant to be for us.”<\/p>

Miller dominated the final inning, throwing 13 pitches at 100 mph or faster out of his 22 total deliveries. After allowing a one-out walk to Julio Rodr\u00edguez, who reached third base on a wild pitch and Oneil Cruz’s groundout, Miller faced Perdomo in the crucial at-bat.<\/p>

The Dominican batter fell behind 1-2 in the count, worked it full, then fouled off two consecutive fastballs exceeding 100 mph before Miller delivered the decisive slider.<\/p>

Team USA first baseman Bryce Harper kept his reaction simple regarding the final call. “He called strike three. That’s all I care,” Harper said.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A disputed strike three call by home plate umpire Cory Blaser ended the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic semifinal against Team USA in a 2-1 loss. The controversial pitch appeared to be below the strike zone, sparking debate about MLB’s upcoming automated ball-strike system launching this season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":37532,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[836],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37533","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773643110414.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbtNqq-9Ln","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":37599,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/yankees-star-aaron-judge-says-world-baseball-classic-now-tops-world-series\/","url_meta":{"origin":37533,"position":0},"title":"Yankees Star Aaron Judge Says World Baseball Classic Now Tops World Series","author":"Admin","date":"March 16, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge declared the World Baseball Classic has become baseball's premier event following Team USA's thrilling 2-1 semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic. The game featured 17 All-Stars and came down to the final pitch at Miami's loanDepot park. Judge praised the international tournament's passion and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sports"","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/sports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773657408621.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773657408621.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773657408621.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773657408621.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":31379,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/phillies-player-johan-rojas-challenges-potential-80-game-drug-suspension\/","url_meta":{"origin":37533,"position":1},"title":"Phillies Player Johan Rojas Challenges Potential 80-Game Drug Suspension","author":"Admin","date":"March 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas is fighting a potential 80-game suspension from Major League Baseball after allegedly testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The 25-year-old player was recently removed from the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic team roster.","rel":"","context":"In "Sports"","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/sports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772600570577.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772600570577.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772600570577.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772600570577.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":37409,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/team-usa-benches-bregman-for-henderson-in-wbc-semifinal-showdown\/","url_meta":{"origin":37533,"position":2},"title":"Team USA Benches Bregman for Henderson in WBC Semifinal Showdown","author":"Admin","date":"March 15, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson will start at third base instead of Alex Bregman for Team USA's World Baseball Classic semifinal against the Dominican Republic. Manager Mark DeRosa made the decision based on Henderson's impressive batting statistics against Dominican starter Luis Severino.","rel":"","context":"In "Sports"","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/sports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773617771583.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773617771583.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773617771583.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773617771583.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":38064,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/padres-have-final-say-on-closer-millers-world-baseball-classic-availability\/","url_meta":{"origin":37533,"position":3},"title":"Padres Have Final Say on Closer Miller’s World Baseball Classic Availability","author":"Admin","date":"March 16, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller secured Team USA's semifinal victory in the World Baseball Classic but his availability for Tuesday's championship game remains uncertain. The Padres organization will evaluate Miller's condition after his recent outing before deciding whether he can pitch again. Miller has already appeared in four\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sports"","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/sports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773719438947.jpg?fit=450%2C297&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":23725,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/argentinas-congress-advances-controversial-labor-reforms-despite-strike\/","url_meta":{"origin":37533,"position":4},"title":"Argentina’s Congress Advances Controversial Labor Reforms Despite Strike","author":"Admin","date":"February 19, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Argentina's lower house of Congress approved disputed labor reform legislation supported by libertarian President Javier Milei in the early hours of Friday. The vote came despite a nationwide strike by labor unions that shut down significant portions of the country in protest of the proposed changes.","rel":"","context":"In "World News"","block_context":{"text":"World News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/world-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1771561029901.jpg?fit=450%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":74422,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/baseballs-automated-strike-zone-system-malfunctions-in-as-victory-over-yankees\/","url_meta":{"origin":37533,"position":5},"title":"Baseball’s Automated Strike Zone System Malfunctions in A’s Victory Over Yankees","author":"Admin","date":"May 31, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A rare technical error in baseball's automated ball-strike system incorrectly upheld a strike call during Saturday's Athletics versus Yankees game. The pitch was actually 0.8 inches outside the strike zone, but the system confirmed it as a strike despite video evidence showing otherwise.","rel":"","context":"In "Sports"","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/sports\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1780209441673.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1780209441673.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1780209441673.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1780209441673.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37533","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37533"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37533\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37533"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}