MIAMI — Shortly after Team USA secured a place in the World Baseball Classic championship, Pete Crow-Armstrong took to Instagram to share a photo. The image captures several Team USA members leaping over the dugout railing as Gunnar Henderson’s game-tying home run soared during a thrilling 2-1 win against the Dominican Republic. Bryce Harper looks poised to lift off, mouths agape and lungs burning with the excitement. To accompany this post, Crow-Armstrong chose Paramore’s song, “Ain’t It Fun.”
“People seem to think we don’t enjoy playing baseball,” Crow-Armstrong remarked. “I’m unsure why that is. Our aim is to reach the championship game… But that moment? It was exhilarating.”
Throughout the WBC, Team USA members have expressed uncertainty about the tournament’s significance. Harper noted that the WBC can’t rival the Olympics in importance. Pitcher Tarik Skubal exited the team after just one start, and Manager Mark DeRosa appeared unsure about the rules for advancing past pool play. Their celebrations seemed quieter compared to the more jubilant displays from other teams.
However, facing the Dominican Republic brought an electrifying atmosphere, prompting Team USA to deliver one of its best performances yet. With a championship match against either Italy or Venezuela on the horizon, players lingered at the Miami Marlins clubhouse, relishing their win. Pitcher Paul Skenes held the Dominican powerhouse at bay for 4 1/3 innings, while Captain Aaron Judge stifled a rally by getting Fernando Tatis Jr. out at third base. Henderson and Roman Anthony contributed crucial home runs in the fourth inning that helped the team come back from a one-run deficit.
Despite the intense action, a controversial call marred the night’s conclusion. With the tying run on third base, Miller’s pitch to shortstop Geraldo Perdomo was ruled a strike, despite being low. Dominican manager Albert Pujols expressed disappointment over the game’s ending but declined to dwell on the last pitch, acknowledging that it just wasn’t meant to be.
While the World Baseball Classic is still growing, it can evoke intense excitement akin to October baseball, despite limitations such as pitch counts and player commitments to their teams. The stadium held 36,337 fans, mostly supporting the Dominican Republic, and the crowd’s energy was palpable with drums and cowbells drowning out chants of “U-S-A.” This vibrant atmosphere contrasted starkly with the more reserved demeanor of the American team, who celebrated home runs with military-themed gestures and uniforms.
As the Dominicans showcased their jubilance on the field, celebrating home runs with exuberant dances and camaraderie, the Americans enjoyed their own brand of fun, highlighting that every team has its unique way of expressing joy in the game. On Tuesday, they hope to cap off the tournament with the championship title they aimed for all along.
