Paul Skenes Leads Team USA Past Dominican Republic Into WBC Final

Overview

• Skenes allowed one run over 4 1/3 innings as the U.S. edged the Dominican Republic 2-1 to reach the World Baseball Classic final in Miami.
• He threw 71 pitches after manager Mark DeRosa set a practical limit of roughly 70–75, despite the WBC’s 95-pitch allowance for semifinals.
• The Pirates ace yielded six hits with no walks and two strikeouts, navigating a lineup featuring stars such as Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Manny Machado.
• Roman Anthony and Gunnar Henderson hit solo home runs in the fourth inning to provide the margin before the bullpen closed out the win.
• Skenes finished his first WBC at 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA and nine strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings, reinforcing his elite status as questions persist about the Pirates’ long-term plans for him.