Aaron Judge stated, “It was bigger and better than the World Series,” reflecting on the thrilling atmosphere at loanDepot Park after Team USA’s 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic semifinal.
Judge’s performance was pivotal, highlighted by a remarkable defensive play where he threw out Fernando Tatis Jr. at third base. His throw reached the base in just 2.3 seconds and clocked in at an impressive 95.7 mph, showcasing his exceptional skills despite having dealt with an elbow issue earlier in the tournament.
The game attracted a crowd of over 36,000 fans, making it one of the most watched games in baseball history. Team USA’s pitching was a key factor in their victory, effectively limiting the Dominican Republic, which had averaged 10 runs per game leading up to this match.
Judge’s teammate, Gunnar Henderson, praised the throw, saying, “That was just a rocket of a throw.” Meanwhile, Pete Crow-Armstrong noted the impact of Judge’s play, stating, “I think that throw today definitely changed the way … maybe it was the base coaches, maybe it was the players. It made a shift somewhere, for sure.”
As the game progressed, the Dominican Republic struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, despite having runners on base. The final score of 2-1 secured Team USA’s place in the championship game.
Next, Team USA will face the winner of the Venezuela-Italy semifinal, aiming for the championship title. Judge’s performance and leadership will be crucial as the team prepares for this high-stakes matchup.
