Paul Skenes Shines as USA Defeats Dominican Republic in WBC Semifinal
MIAMI — The United States advanced to the final of the World Baseball Classic with a hard-fought night victory over the Dominican Republic, 2-1. The win, however, wasn’t without its share of controversy, as plate umpire Cory Blaser missed two potential ball-four calls that could have altered the game’s outcome.
Despite the umpire’s decisions, the game itself was a showcase of elite baseball talent, drawing comparisons to Game 7 of last year’s World Series in its intensity and dramatic twists. The contest featured exceptional defensive plays, strong pitching performances from both bullpens, and timely hitting, including a game-tying home run from Gunnar Henderson and a go-ahead blast from Roman Anthony, the youngest player on Team USA at 21.
Paul Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, took the mound for the United States, displaying a composure that belied the high stakes. His father, Craig Skenes, along with former teammates from the United States Air Force Academy, were in attendance, witnessing a performance that solidified Skenes’ reputation as a rising star.
“I was on the edge of my seat the whole game,” Craig Skenes said. “I was telling him, I feel that is the best game I’ve ever seen in person.”
Skenes pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing one run on Junior Caminero’s second-inning home run – the Dominican Republic’s tournament-leading 15th. Whereas not his cleanest outing, he managed to navigate a challenging lineup and leave the game with a positive result. He hit two batters, a rare occurrence for him, having not done so in his previous 55 major-league starts.
The game was a testament to Skenes’ mental fortitude, a trait honed during his time at the Air Force Academy. Former teammate Chase Spencer noted, “At the end of it all, there’s so much mental growth and stability that comes from that. It shows every day on the field.” Skenes spent two years as a pitcher and catcher at Air Force before transferring to LSU to focus solely on pitching.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa lauded Skenes’ presence and character, viewing him as the team’s pitching cornerstone alongside Aaron Judge, the three-time MVP who anchors the lineup. “Special presence, special man,” DeRosa said of Skenes.
The victory held deeper meaning for Skenes, who spoke of honoring servicemen and servicewomen with his participation in the tournament. With two uncles having served in the Navy and another in the Coast Guard, a sense of duty fueled his performance. He recounted receiving a text message from a former Air Force teammate stationed elsewhere, who planned to wake up at 3 a.m. To watch the game.
“It puts it into perspective,” Skenes said. “It’s heavy stuff. For us, playing a game against a bunch of people that we know and we play all the time, it’s heavy.”
Despite the pressure, Skenes approached the game with his characteristic calm demeanor. When asked about facing the pro-Dominican Republic crowd in Miami, he responded with a shrug, stating, “It’s a game, same as every other one.”
Craig Skenes admitted to feeling more nervous watching his son pitch than when he was hitting and playing in the field. “I don’t know why,” he said. “I’ve always kind of enjoyed him catching a little bit more. I see a little bit more artistry to it. And when he was swinging the bat, I just loved when he was able to connect with something. It’s a different type of feeling with this. Everything is on the line with every pitch. There are a lot bigger outcomes as well.”
The Dominican Republic, having scored 51 runs in their first five games, presented a formidable offensive challenge. Manager Albert Pujols expressed confidence in his lineup’s ability to attack Skenes, but the young pitcher ultimately held his own. Skenes acknowledged it wasn’t his most polished performance, but he delivered when it mattered most.
Team USA’s win sets up a highly anticipated final against Italy, who defeated Venezuela in the other semifinal. The United States will look to continue their momentum and claim the World Baseball Classic title. The game will be a test of their resilience and ability to overcome adversity, qualities they demonstrated throughout their victory over the Dominican Republic.
As Spencer observed after the game, Skenes possesses an unwavering focus, and determination. “You can really see a focus or a mentality shift with him from the moment he gets here. He’s ready to go from pitch No. 1.” That readiness, combined with his exceptional talent, makes him a key player for Team USA as they pursue championship glory.