USA's DeRosa Expects WBC Semifinal vs. Dominican Republic to be 'One of the Best Games of All-Time'

After Team USA clinched a spot in the World Baseball Classic semifinals with a 5-3 win over Canada on Friday night, manager Mark DeRosa expressed his excitement for the next matchup that awaits his club.

DeRosa told reporters after the victory he anticipates Sunday's showdown between the U.S. and Dominican Republic to be "one of the best games of all-time."

The United States was able to reach the knockout round thanks to Italy's win over Mexico on Wednesday. Team USA held serve against a Canadian squad that won Pool A with a 3-1 record.

Canada did make things interesting in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI single from Tyler Black and two-run homer by Bo Naylor after the U.S. built up a 5-0 lead.

The Canadians had a golden opportunity again in the seventh with runners on second and third with no outs, but David Bednar retired Josh Naylor, Tyler O'Neill and Owen Caissie to end the threat.

Team USA's pitching staff retired the side in order in the eighth and ninth to secure the win.

It was yet another drama-filled game for the U.S. coming off the loss to Italy and a closer-than-expected win against Mexico in the final two games of pool play.

Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic has been arguably the most impressive team in the entire tournament. The Dominicans are 5-0 and have outscored their opponents 51-10, including a 10-0 victory over South Korea that ended after seven innings due to the mercy rule.

It should be a great game between two teams loaded with talent, particularly in the lineup. Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper headline the U.S. roster.

The Dominican lineup features Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Junior Caminero and Ketel Marte. The entire team is hitting a collective .312/.453/.637 in five games.

For perspective, during Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 season in 2024, he hit .310/.390/.646.

Adding to the drama of the game is the United States will send 2025 NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes to the mound to shut down the Dominican Republic offense. Luis Severino will take the bump for the Dominicans.

The bar for the best game of all-time is incredibly high to clear, but if Sunday's matchup comes anywhere close to the 2023 WBC final between the U.S. and Japan, as one example of an incredible game, it will rank way up there.

First pitch between the U.S. and Dominican Republic is scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET from LoanDepot Park in Miami.