Controversial Strike Call Ends Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic Run

A disputed strike three call by home plate umpire Cory Blaser ended the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic semifinal against Team USA in a 2-1 loss. The controversial pitch appeared to be below the strike zone, sparking debate about MLB's upcoming automated ball-strike system launching this season.

MIAMI (AP) — A controversial umpire’s call has reignited discussions about baseball’s human element versus technology, as the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic journey ended on a disputed strike three that many believed was outside the zone.

With the potential tying run on third base and a full count, Dominican shortstop Geraldo Perdomo watched what appeared to be a low slider from Team USA’s Mason Miller and began walking toward his dugout, expecting ball four. Instead, home plate umpire Cory Blaser emphatically called strike three, securing a 2-1 victory for the United States and sending them to the championship game.

“He knew he was wrong,” Perdomo stated after the game. “I knew it was 100% wrong.”

The timing of the controversial call is particularly noteworthy, as Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System launches March 25 when the regular season begins. This technology, which will likely be implemented in future World Baseball Classic tournaments, would have allowed the Dominican Republic to challenge the call if they had appeals remaining.

Team USA outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong acknowledged the pitch’s questionable location but expressed relief about the outcome. “It looked a little down. Yes, I’m glad we had no ABS,” Crow-Armstrong commented. “I’m happy that the human element was in full effect.”

The dramatic moment unfolded when Perdomo, after hearing the strike call, raised his bat overhead in disbelief while still gripping it. Despite his frustration with the final pitch, the Arizona star maintained perspective about the loss.

“We didn’t lose the game there,” Perdomo remarked.

MLB announced last September that the automated system will be fully implemented for regular season and postseason play in 2026, following extensive testing in minor league baseball since 2019.

Dominican manager Albert Pujols chose to focus on the bigger picture rather than dwelling on the final call. “I don’t want to focus on the last pitch,” Pujols explained. “I’m disappointed about the way that the game ends, but I don’t want to criticize any of that. It just wasn’t meant to be for us.”

Miller dominated the final inning, throwing 13 pitches at 100 mph or faster out of his 22 total deliveries. After allowing a one-out walk to Julio Rodríguez, who reached third base on a wild pitch and Oneil Cruz’s groundout, Miller faced Perdomo in the crucial at-bat.

The Dominican batter fell behind 1-2 in the count, worked it full, then fouled off two consecutive fastballs exceeding 100 mph before Miller delivered the decisive slider.

Team USA first baseman Bryce Harper kept his reaction simple regarding the final call. “He called strike three. That’s all I care,” Harper said.