D.R. frustrated by blown call, but 'part of the game'
Why it matters: A disputed call fuels push for tech in baseball’s premier international stage.
- Juan Soto praised the Dominican squad’s overall performance despite the loss, saying they “showed the world who’s the best team in baseball.”
- Nelson Cruz acknowledged the painful blow but called the tournament “good for baseball” and urged the adoption of ABS (automated ball‑strike) in future WBCs.
- Cory Blaser’s disputed full‑count strike on Geraldo Perdomo sparked boos from a 36,337‑strong crowd, highlighting the need for better officiating tools.
- Junior Caminero set a WBC record for home runs, hitting a pivotal shot off Paul Skenes that gave the D.R. an early lead.
- WBC’s growing viewership and fan engagement are amplified by high‑stakes drama and star‑filled lineups, attracting both die‑hard fans and casual viewers.
The Dominican Republic lost 2‑1 to Team USA after a clearly out‑of‑zone strike call ended the WBC final, leaving players smiling but seething. The controversy spotlights calls for an automated ball‑strike system in the tournament and underscores baseball’s rising global profile.
