Who will start for Team USA in WBC semifinal?
High-stakes pitching matchup shapes WBC semifinal
Team USA advanced to the World Baseball Classic semifinals with a 5-3 win over Canada and now faces the Dominican Republic in what promises to be one of the tournament’s marquee matchups. Manager Mark DeRosa and the coaching staff confirmed their pitching plan heading into the semifinal: Paul Skenes is lined up to take the hill for the United States. Skenes, a frontline arm, gives the U.S. a weapon to try to suppress the Dominican lineup’s power and depth.
The Dominican Republic arrives with a lineup loaded with proven offensive threats, and recent games have shown they can change contests in an instant — Austin Wells provided a dramatic example with a multi-run homer that helped send the Dominican Republic through the quarterfinals. For the United States, the series of decisions surrounding rotation usage, bullpen management and matchups will be decisive.
Key factors that will determine the outcome:
- Starting pitching performance: Skenes must limit hard contact early to avoid taxing the bullpen.
- Bullpen depth and matchup flexibility: late-inning arms will be critical against the DR’s right- and left-handed power.
- Offensive support and timely hitting: the U.S. lineup must capitalize on scoring chances against an elite Dominican staff.
- Data and scouting: Team USA acknowledged some gaps in advance scouting work, which places added emphasis on in-game adjustments.
This game is framed as a pitching-versus-power duel. If Skenes can provide length and quality, and the U.S. relievers hold up against a dangerous Dominican order, the Americans will have a clear path to the final. If not, the Dominican Republic’s lineup has the firepower to decide the game quickly.