Blue Jays superstar watches WBC dreams get destroyed after a controversial ending

"During their semi-final game against the USA, Team D.R. were down by a run in the bottom of the ninth with the tying run on third. Geraldo Perdomo was at the plate facing Mason Miller and Perdomo worked himself into a full-count situation, laying off some pitches that weren't close, and fighting off a couple of 100+ mph fastballs. On the eighth pitch of the at-bat, Miller threw a slider that was nowhere near the zone, but Home Plate Umpire Cory Blaser rang him up anyway, and ended the game, handing Team USA a one-way ticket to the WBC championship game."

"The World Baseball Classic did not incorporate the use of the Automated Ball-Strike system which didn't sit well with a lot of fans, and former players, and was an unfortunate, and painful, lesson for the members of the Dominican team."

"Although, they also didn't help themselves out by grounding into numerous double plays, and not being able to drive runners in going 2-for-9 with RISP and leaving eight men stranded. Still, they managed to keep the USA to within a run right up until the bottom of the ninth, giving themselves a chance to win."

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Team Dominican Republic fell short in the World Baseball Classic semi-final against Team USA, marking the second championship disappointment for Guerrero in four months. The decisive moment came in the bottom of the ninth inning when home plate umpire Cory Blaser called strike three on a slider clearly outside the zone, ending the game with the tying run on third. The World Baseball Classic did not use the Automated Ball-Strike system, a decision that frustrated fans and former players. While the umpiring proved costly, Dominican Republic also struggled offensively, going 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position and leaving eight men on base. Despite these offensive shortcomings, the team remained competitive throughout, keeping the game close until the controversial final call.

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