USA Picks Nolan McLean to Start WBC Final After Narrow Semifinal Win

MIAMI — In a tense and tightly contested semifinal that felt like a title game, the United States national baseball team emerged with a 2‑1 victory over the Dominican Republic national baseball team Sunday night to secure a spot in the 2026 World Baseball Classic championship. The game lived up to its billing as a defensive battle, with timely homers, strong pitching, and clutch defense keeping fans on edge until the final out.

Solo home runs from Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony in the fourth inning provided the margin of victory for the Americans after Junior Caminero put the Dominican Republic ahead early. A determined pitching effort from the starting rotation and bullpen preserved the narrow lead.

The game ultimately concluded in dramatic fashion as closer Mason Miller struck out Geraldo Perdomo for the final out, sending a relieved U.S. team and a roaring crowd into celebration. While the call drew attention, the win solidified the team’s advance to the final stage of the international tournament.

With the championship set for Tuesday night in Miami, attention now turns to who will take the mound for Team USA against the winner of Monday’s Italy‑Venezuela semifinal. Ahead of that matchup, the Americans have officially selected their starter, setting the stage for a chance to claim their second WBC title.

1. Semifinal Battle Sets Tone

Sunday’s semifinal lived up to pregame expectations of a pitch‑for‑pitch contest. Starting pitchers matched zeroes early, with the U.S. and Dominican Republic trading momentum in a game defined by narrow margins. Both bullpens played pivotal roles, containing explosive lineups and limiting extended rallies. The Dominican Republic struck first when Caminero delivered a solo home run, giving his team an early lead and energizing its potent offense. Yet the United States responded emphatically in the fourth inning. Henderson and Anthony each connected for solo shots, swinging the scoreboard in favor of the Americans. Defense also played a significant part in keeping the game close. Plays in the field, including standout efforts in the infield and outfield, thwarted potential rallies and preserved momentum for the home team. These defensive contributions underscored the depth and athleticism of Team USA’s roster. As the game progressed into the later innings, the bullpens ensured that the one‑run margin held. Miller, one of the U.S. bullpen’s most reliable options, was entrusted with closing out the contest — a role he executed with precision, sealing the 2‑1 win and punching the team’s ticket to the championship.

2. McLean Named Final Starter

Following the semifinal, eyes quickly shifted to the pitching decision for the championship game. Team USA has announced that 24‑year‑old Nolan McLean will take the mound in Tuesday’s final, giving the rising talent an opportunity to lead his country on the sport’s biggest stage. McLean previously started in the tournament — including a challenging outing in pool play against Italy national baseball team in which he allowed three runs over two innings. That performance came in a game the U.S. lost 8‑6, but it remains his first chance to begin a game at the WBC final stage. Despite mixed results earlier in the event, McLean’s recent work and overall season performance have convinced Team USA’s leadership to give him the ball in the championship. The decision reflects confidence in his ability to rebound and thrive under pressure, especially with the ultimate prize on the line. Closer Miller’s availability for the final remains uncertain due to workload concerns, as a third appearance in five days would be taxing even for a bullpen arm of his caliber. Team officials have emphasized they will monitor his status closely ahead of Tuesday’s contest.

3. Fan Reaction and Final Stakes

The announcement of McLean as the starter drew a range of reactions from fans. Some observers voiced skepticism over relying on a young pitcher who endured a tough outing earlier in the tournament, questioning whether another option might better suit the high‑stakes setting. Others expressed support for the Mets prospect’s chance to redeem himself and take on one of the biggest roles of his young career. These mixed reactions reflect the broader passion and investment of baseball supporters, especially given the national pride and attention the World Baseball Classic generates. For many, the stakes — and emotions — are heightened when a nation’s flag is on the line in the final. Team USA’s lone WBC championship came in 2017, when it defeated Puerto Rico 8‑0 en route to the title. Since then, the United States has returned to the final only sporadically, making this year’s opportunity particularly meaningful for players and fans alike. As Tuesday’s championship game approaches, both Italy and Venezuela remain in contention after their semifinal matchup, setting up an intriguing and potentially historic title bout. Regardless of the opponent, the United States will enter the final with momentum from a hard‑fought semifinal and a starting pitcher eager to make his mark on the sport’s international stage.