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Miami, Florida. – The Dominican Republic national baseball team's defeat against the United States national baseball team in the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic not only left a memorable duel on the field, but also an intense debate over the umpiring decisions at key moments of the game.
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The game, played at loanDepot Park in Miami, ended with a controversial third strike called on Dominican shortstop Geraldo Perdomo against closer Mason Miller, a decision that sealed the 2-1 victory for the United States and their place in the final. The call generated immediate reactions among baseball figures and analysts, who questioned both that pitch and another previous at-bat by the Dominican star Juan Soto. ESPN journalist Jeff Passan pointed out that the umpiring decisions in those innings reflect the need for greater technological support in the game. "Strike calls to Juan Soto and Geraldo Perdomo show why baseball is moving toward the automated ball-strike system," Passan commented, referring to the controversy. Former Major League Baseball general manager Jim Bowden also reacted on social media, stating that the decisions in those at-bats reinforce the implementation of the ABS system in baseball. For his part, Hall of Famer Derek Jeter lamented that a game of such importance was decided by a disputed decision from the plate. "It is very likely that the next World Classic will include the ABS system challenge. It's a shame that a game ends like that," Jeter commented during the television broadcast after the game. Another baseball immortal, CC Sabathia, also expressed his support for the use of the automated ball-strike system, pointing out that this type of situation demonstrates the need for technological tools to support the umpires. The criticism arose after Perdomo was struck out on a full count on a pitch that many considered to be outside the strike zone, with the tying run on third base and the possibility of extending the game for the Dominican Republic. Despite the controversy, the game was considered one of the most intense matches of the tournament, pitting two of the most talented international baseball teams against each other and leaving a dramatic finish that will continue to generate debate around the use of technology in arbitration.
