World Series champion Doug Mientkiewicz criticized how commentary and social media discussion framed Team USA’s narrow World Baseball Classic win over the Dominican Republic, arguing the focus should have been on the United States advancing rather than on explanations for the Dominican Republic falling short.
Mientkiewicz, a former MLB first baseman who won a championship with the Boston Red Sox, posted his remarks Monday after the semifinal ended on a disputed called third strike in Miami.
Team USA WBC semifinal ends on disputed strike call
The United States sealed a 2-1 win when reliever Mason Miller struck out Geraldo Perdomo looking with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning at loanDepot park. Replays of the full-count pitch appeared to show the ball below the strike zone, prompting visible disbelief from Perdomo and frustration in the Dominican dugout.
Dominican Republic outfielder Juan Soto said after the game that his team “showed the world who’s the best team in baseball,” while Perdomo said he was certain the pitch was a ball.
Mientkiewicz says coverage should center on the winner
In his X post, Mientkiewicz said he was disappointed by what he viewed as biased framing around the result and urged observers to cover the game without “excuses” for the losing side. He described the matchup as a high-level showcase with mistakes and momentum swings, and wrote that he wanted the tournament “finished” with Team USA winning the title.
He also said he had previously coached players representing different countries and wanted all of them to succeed, while maintaining that the United States should be supported in the final.
Final set: USA vs Venezuela in Miami
Team USA will face Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday, March 17, with first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at loanDepot park in Miami.
The semifinal’s ending call continued to drive debate about officiating and whether future editions of the tournament should adopt additional ball-strike technology, while the United States and Venezuela prepare to play for the championship.