The Dominican Republic's journey in the World Baseball Classic came to a dramatic end against Team USA, with a controversial call stealing the spotlight. In a tense semifinal at LoanDepot Park, the Dominicans fell 2-1, but it was the final out that everyone will remember.
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth and the tying run on base, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo faced U.S. closer Mason Miller. On a full count, home plate umpire Cory Blaser called a slider strike three, despite it being clearly below the zone.
The pro-Dominican crowd of 36,337 erupted in disbelief. Perdomo confronted Blaser, asserting it was a ball, but the game was already decided.
Juan Soto had a similar experience earlier, caught looking on a low slider. These calls highlighted the absence of the automated ball-strike system in the WBC, a system MLB is introducing to avoid such controversies. Dominican Republic GM Nelson Cruz summed it up: “You lost by inches.”
Perdomo was confident in his judgment, telling ESPN, “I knew 100% it was a ball.”
Soto, however, chose to focus on the bigger picture. Speaking to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, he emphasized the Dominican Republic's strong performance throughout the tournament.
“We showed the world who’s the best team in baseball,” Soto stated. “That’s all I got to say.”
Juan Soto’s 2026 WBC Performance
Soto's confidence was backed by impressive stats. He wrapped up the tournament with a .261 batting average, a .393 on-base percentage, a .522 slugging percentage, and a .915 OPS over six games.
He tallied two home runs, four RBIs, one stolen base, and five walks. His patience at the plate was evident, working counts and challenging pitchers at every turn.
While his .915 OPS might not match his 2023 WBC performance-where he had an eye-popping 1.500 OPS-it’s important to consider the tougher competition this time around. Facing elite pitching, including a formidable American bullpen, Soto’s near-.900 OPS was a testament to his skill and resilience.
Soto also set the tone for a Dominican lineup that broke the WBC record for home runs in a single tournament. Junior Caminero’s first-inning homer off Paul Skenes gave the D.R. an early lead, but the Americans responded with home runs from Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony. The game then became a battle of the bullpens, showcasing the high-caliber baseball the WBC is known for, despite the controversial ending.
Implications for the Mets
For New York Mets fans, Soto's WBC performance was a reminder of his exceptional abilities beyond mere statistics. His approach remains unwavering, and even in high-pressure situations, he forced opponents to earn every out.
Entering his second season with the Mets after a stellar 2025 campaign-where he hit 43 home runs, drove in 105 runs, posted a .921 OPS, and stole 38 bases-Soto’s WBC showing confirms his readiness. As the Mets prepare for the upcoming season, their star player has just demonstrated his prowess on an international stage, playing at the highest intensity level.