Pitcher Roars to Victory With Game-Capping Home Run in Championship Series Win!
The Seattle Mariners star had quite an eventful inning while playing for the Dominican Republic against Team USA.
Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez had quite an eventful 10-minute stretch on Sunday night while playing for the Dominican Republic in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic against the United States. First, in the bottom of the fourth inning, Rodriguez took a fastball to the wrist area from Team USA ace Paul Skenes. It was a major worry for M's fans everywhere, who have been worried about injury for all participating players in this tournament.
However, Rodriguez stayed in the game. The Dominicans left the bases loaded in that inning as Skenes escaped with a 2-1 lead. The Americans were about to add on in the top of the fifth it appeared but Rodriguez robbed Aaron Judge of a home run in deep center field.
After the play, Rodriguez flashed his trademark "no fly zone" celebration. ROBBED AT THE WALL! 🔥 Julio Rodríguez denies an Aaron Judge home run.
🎥 @WBCBaseball pic. twitter. com/tGbHepGIHh — The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 16, 2026 This play is a good chance to remind people that Rodriguez is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, but he's never won a Gold Glove.