Get Set, Batter Up! Don't Miss This Season's World Series!
MIAMI (AP) — Gunnar Henderson will start at third base over Alex Bregman for the United States in Sunday's World Baseball Classic semifinal against the Dominican Republic, a decision that manager Mark DeRosa said was based on the pitching matchup against Luis Severino. Henderson, a star shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, is 7 for 9 in his career against the right-handed Dominican pitcher, with a home run, double and four RBIs. Bregman is 5 for 21 in the regular season against Severino with a homer and three RBI.
Henderson has also gone 5 for 10 with a double and a homer in two WBC games. “Playing the hot hand right? ” DeRosa said ahead of Sunday's semi.
“Gunnar’s got numbers against Severino. ” DeRosa added he spoke on Saturday with Bregman, who has gone 2 for 11 in four games, about the benching. “These guys like the lineup out the night before, so I was able to do that, and he was good with it," DeRosa said.
"It’s game on. ” Will Smith will start at catcher over Cal Raleigh, who is hitless in nine plate appearances this WBC. Sunday's game is expected to be a thrilling star-studded matchup, with the Dominicans bringing the hottest lineup in the tournament against arguably the best pitcher in baseball in Paul Skenes.
The Dominicans are 5-0 in the tournament, have outscored opponents 51-10 while batting . 312. With 14 homers, they tied the WBC record set by Mexico in 2009.