How did Team USA reach the WBC semifinals?

USA holds on to beat Canada and advance

The United States moved into the World Baseball Classic semifinals after a 5–3 victory over Canada. Team USA built an early edge and held off a late rally to book a matchup with the Dominican Republic in the next round.

Key contributors helped the Americans seize control. Aaron Judge delivered a crucial double among other timely hits, while Brice Turang and Pete Crow-Armstrong produced consecutive RBI singles that supplied the cushion needed when Canada threatened late. The bullpen also provided important work: David Bednar recorded a key strikeout in the seventh inning to help stem the momentum of the Canadian attack.

Why this matters

• The win sets up a heavyweight semifinal against a Dominican Republic team that steamrolled South Korea 10–0 under the tournament’s mercy rule, meaning Team USA will face one of the event’s hottest offenses.
• Pitching management becomes critical; Team USA’s staff will have to balance using its best arms now versus saving options for the semifinal and potentially the final. Reports indicate Paul Skenes is lined up for a start in the semis and discussions about pitch limits will influence how deep starters go.
• Matchups swing on short leashes: the Dominican lineup has been one of the WBC’s most explosive units, so the American strategy will likely emphasize matchup pitching, bullpen depth and defensive execution.

What to watch next

1. Starting pitcher for Team USA and whether Paul Skenes starts or is capped by a pitch limit.
2. How Team USA’s bullpen is managed after a tense, close quarterfinal.
3. Whether the Americans can contain the Dominican power surge in a single-elimination semifinal.