Diamondbacks Dominates in Epic Win!
Mar 15, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Dominican Republic shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) singles in the seventh inning against the United States during a semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images MIAMI — The final pitch of Sunday’s tense World Baseball Classic semifinal between Team USA and the Dominican Republic didn’t just end a game — it reignited the need for baseball’s automated ball-strike system. Mar 9, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Dominican Republic shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) throws to first base to retire Israel center fielder Harrison Bader (not pictured) during the first inning at loanDepot Park.
Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images With the tying run on third base and two outs in the ninth inning, Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo stepped to the plate for the Dominican Republic against Team USA closer Mason Miller. The Dominican shortstop worked the count full as the USA clung to a 2-1 lead. Miller fired a slider that appeared to hit below the strike zone.
Perdomo held his swing, seemingly ready to take a walk that would have brought teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. to the plate with a chance to change the game. Instead, the home plate umpire called strike three.
The call ended the game and sent Team USA to the World Baseball Classic finals, but it also sparked immediate reaction from fans who felt the pitch missed the zone. Within seconds, social media feeds filled with replay clips and screenshots of the pitch location that many viewers believed showed the ball clearly outside the strike zone. Frustration — and, for some American fans, relief — spread quickly as the moment highlighted a problem that has lingered around MLB in recent seasons.
Beginning in 2026, MLB plans to implement the ABS challenge system. Under the system, pitchers, hitters or catchers can challenge a called ball or strike, triggering an immediate review using pitch-tracking technology. However, the system was not used during this year’s WBC because not every host venue is equipped with the necessary technology.