This matchup is baseball heaven.
It is what every single fan has dreamt of ever since the rosters were announced, and we are in store for what could ultimately be remembered as the single greatest game ever played. On one hand, you have the “Latin Avengers” in Team Dominican Republic. Their lineup imitates a Diamond Dynasty team from MLB The Show and is arguably the most dominant ever seen. Fernando Tatis Jr., Ketel Marte, Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado—the list never seems to end. The Caribbeans are one home run shy of breaking the all-time WBC record set by Mexico in 2009 with two fewer games played. Not only do they look unstoppable, they are a force to be reckoned with.
On the other hand, you have Team USA. Mark DeRosa’s squad has yet to perform to expectations; nonetheless, the team has squeaked out key victories and remains on a path to achieve the ultimate goal. Cal Raleigh and Bryce Harper have been cold throughout the tournament, while Aaron Judge keeps missing opportunities to redeem his “unclutch” gene. Even as some members of the lineup have struggled, they have been bailed out by incredible displays from Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Although their starting pitching has been dominant, their bullpen has faltered, surrendering more runs than anticipated.
Based on what we’ve seen from each side, the Dominican Republic should walk away victorious and book their spot in the Championship Game. Enter Paul Skenes—the greatest pitcher on Earth. If anyone can navigate through the Latin Avengers, it’s him. He seemed untouchable in his lone start against Mexico earlier in the tournament after recording an outstanding 7 K, 2 H, 0 ER stat-line in just 4.0 innings of mastery.
This matchup is the literal definition of the “unstoppable force meets unmovable object” debate, and every baseball fan should immediately cancel all plans for Sunday in order to experience the pinnacle of our beloved game. Despite the fact that the Dominicans are destroying everything in their path to glory, I don’t trust Luis Severino to keep the ship steady once Paul Skenes is out of the game. Don’t rule out a potential blowout from Team USA.
Skenes, go out and show us why you are the greatest in the world.
Prediction: USA 8 – DOM 5
Leave a Reply