DeRosa Lauds Pujols and Supports ABS in the World Baseball Classic

MIAMI, FLORIDA. – United States team manager Mark DeRosa has expressed his admiration for the way Albert Pujols handled the controversial final play of the match that defined the semi-final of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where his team won 2-1 against the Dominican Republic. The game, held at loanDepot Park, concluded with a called strike on a 3-2 count to Dominican batter Geraldo Perdomo, against pitcher Mason Miller. This umpire’s decision sparked debate, as many considered the pitch should have been a ball.

Seeing the repetition, I can understand why Dominicans are upset. But I love the class with which Albert handled the situation. I have great respect for him.
Mark DeRosa

DeRosa highlighted Pujols’ attitude, who avoided controversy and preferred not to attribute the Dominican defeat to a single play.

ABS System Support

The American leader also expressed his support for the automated ball-strike system (ABS), a technology that would allow for the review of the home plate umpire’s decisions and could be an innovation for future tournaments. I’m a fan of ABS. I think it will be good for the game and I think it could be part of the next World Baseball Classic.

Key Performance for the Triumph

The United States secured its place in the final thanks to a solid performance by starting pitcher Paul Skenes and a bullpen that managed to contain the Dominican offense. The only damage from the Caribbean team was a solo home run by Junior Caminero, who also set a new record for collective home runs for the Dominican Republic in an edition of the Classic. DeRosa acknowledged the difficulty of facing the Dominican team. That’s an incredible lineup. The Dominican Republic never stopped threatening and it was a very intense game.

United States in search of the title

With this victory, the United States advances to its third consecutive final in the World Baseball Classic and will seek the championship against the winner of the match between Venezuela and Italy.