Diamondbacks fans react after Geraldo Perdomo called out on low pitch in WBC semifinal

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Mar 15, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Dominican Republic shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) singles in the seventh inning against the United States during a semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

MIAMI — The final pitch of Sunday’s tense World Baseball Classic semifinal between Team USA and the Dominican Republic didn’t just end a game — it reignited the need for baseball’s automated ball-strike system.

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Mar 9, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Dominican Republic shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) throws to first base to retire Israel center fielder Harrison Bader (not pictured) during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

With the tying run on third base and two outs in the ninth inning, Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo stepped to the plate for the Dominican Republic against Team USA closer Mason Miller. The Dominican shortstop worked the count full as the USA clung to a 2-1 lead.

Miller fired a slider that appeared to hit below the strike zone. Perdomo held his swing, seemingly ready to take a walk that would have brought teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. to the plate with a chance to change the game.

Instead, the home plate umpire called strike three.


The call ended the game and sent Team USA to the World Baseball Classic finals, but it also sparked immediate reaction from fans who felt the pitch missed the zone.

Within seconds, social media feeds filled with replay clips and screenshots of the pitch location that many viewers believed showed the ball clearly outside the strike zone. Frustration — and, for some American fans, relief — spread quickly as the moment highlighted a problem that has lingered around MLB in recent seasons.


Beginning in 2026, MLB plans to implement the ABS challenge system. Under the system, pitchers, hitters or catchers can challenge a called ball or strike, triggering an immediate review using pitch-tracking technology.

However, the system was not used during this year’s WBC because not every host venue is equipped with the necessary technology. That absence became particularly noticeable in one of the tournament’s biggest moments.

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Mar 13, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States relief pitcher Mason Miller (19) reacts after defeating Canada during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Perdomo has built a reputation among Arizona fans as one of the team’s most patient hitters. Known for working deep counts and rarely chasing pitches outside the zone, he stayed disciplined even against Miller’s triple-digit velocity.

On Sunday night, that patience nearly paid off. Perdomo forced Miller into a full-count situation and refused to chase the slider that dropped low. Moments later, the game was over.

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Mar 15, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; United States pitcher Mason Miller (19) and United States catcher Will Smith (16) celebrate after defeating the Dominican Republic in a semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Supporters of the ABS argue that technology could prevent pivotal moments from being decided by human error while still preserving the rhythm and drama of the game.

Critics counter that the human element — and occasional imperfection — has always been part of baseball’s character. For fans watching the final pitch Sunday, the debate felt less philosophical and far more immediate. Despite where fans are on the challenge system, it’ll make its debut this season and hopes to make games more fairly called.

For Perdomo and the Dominican, it may have come too late as their WBC run ended on one controversial call.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde​

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