Paul Skenes vs. the Dominicans: The Prelude to the Final

The Americans defeated Canada on Friday night in the World Baseball Classic. The Canadians put up a good fight (despite errors that cost them the game), and the team's pitchers—who have been excellent this year—kept Canada in the game.

But despite the controversies surrounding Mark DeRosa, it's the U.S. team that's advancing to the semifinals. It makes sense. And since the Dominicans beat the Koreans in the quarterfinals, we're in for a showdown between two powerhouses in the first semifinal: the United States versus the Dominican Republic. Right now, the U.S. has a slight edge.

USA is slightly favored to beat the Dominican Republic pic.twitter.com/vI1NeBCRUq— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 14, 2026

The Dominicans, led by Albert Pujols (a former teammate of Mark DeRosa), are exciting. Defensively, offensively, and on the bases, nothing seems to stop them. It's a party every day in that locker room, and the energy is contagious. Austin Wells, who represents the Dominicans due to his mother's heritage, feels “more and more Dominican” following his game-winning home run on Friday.

Safe to say Austin Wells is having fun playing for the Dominican Republic pic.twitter.com/740ByIkFrT— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) March 14, 2026

Of course, the Americans shouldn't be taken lightly either. They have an excellent baseball team, even if their offense is a tad less dynamic than the Dominicans'.

But on the mound, the advantage goes to the U.S. And that will clearly be the case on Sunday, as Luis Severino will represent his country… and he'll face Paul Skenes for the Americans. The plan, right now, is to give Skenes between 75 and 80 pitches.

We all agree that the showdown between Skenes and the Dominican Republic's powerful hitters feels like a final before the final, right? It'll be a treat… just like when Shohei Ohtani faced Mike Trout in the 2023 final.

Team USA hoping Paul Skenes can silence the mighty bats of the Dominican Republic. Column: https://t.co/7T75I0tVkG— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 14, 2026

The American manager expects one of the best matchups of all time. And on Sunday (8 p.m.), if both teams play up to their potential, that's exactly what we'll get. What a show it will be.

PMLB

A third sweep in two games.

FOUR homers .455 Average 1.486 OPS Daulton Varsho is ready for the season pic.twitter.com/1IEtmtQWr6 — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 14, 2026

Joe Ryan will not be going to the World Baseball Classic.

Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan, who was originally supposed to be added to the WBC roster for a role in a potential championship game, will now remain with the Twins. https://t.co/Zv8szxAkh5— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 14, 2026

Phew.

Alejandro Kirk came this close to decapitating John Schneider and others in the Blue Jays dugout. Yiiiiikes. pic.twitter.com/8cbPi5WHJA — Damon (@Damon98_) March 14, 2026

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