Team USA defeated the Dominican Republic on Sunday to secure a spot in the finals of the World Baseball Classic. This game featured some of the biggest stars in all of baseball, from Aaron Judge to Fernando Tatis Jr. to Juan Soto, and a plethora of other big names in Major League Baseball.
The stars from Sunday night's win for Team USA were pitcher Paul Skenes, who pitched into the fifth inning, allowing just one earned run against a star-studded Dominican Republic lineup. Third baseman Gunnar Henderson and left fielder Roman Anthony added a home run each. The team used five relief pitchers who were able to completely shut down the Dominican Republic batters en route to the finals.
Paul Skenes gets out of a bases loaded jam. Team USA still leads the Dominican Republic 2-1 pic.twitter.com/5u6j9CQ1MQ
— The Baseball Laboratory (@BaseballLabX) March 16, 2026
Prior to this tournament kicking off, Team USA players spoke about what it meant for them to represent their country. In an interview with Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez, Paul Skenes dove deeper into that topic.
Rodriguez: When you play for the U.S., and you put on that jersey, what does that mean to you?
Skenes: It's the proudest I've ever been wearing a jersey is the USA jersey. You're playing for a whole lot more. It's great to play for a city, great to play for Pittsburgh in the regular season, but playing for your country, it's a different level.
Rodriguez: I think it's pretty awesome you started your career at the Air Force Academy. What did you learn there? What virtues did you learn there that still live with you today?
Skenes: It's everything. When you're there, you don't have the luxury of being able to flip it on and off; you just have to be on all the time. Discipline, time management, integrity, leadership; you learn everything there, and the focus isn't on baseball, but it helps you playing baseball. It helps you in whatever you're gonna end up doing.
“This is what we do in America. We fight, and we win.” - @Paul_Skenes
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 15, 2026
🇺🇸💪@AROD | @USABaseball pic.twitter.com/8QHwBPhgEG
Watch the full Paul Skenes and @AROD
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 16, 2026
interview here! https://t.co/x8HdKdT7Hv
In today's society, where it seems like hating on America is the "cool" thing to do, while being patriotic is frowned upon in some circles, this is what is needed. In a world that seems full of Megan Rapinoes who do nothing but whine and complain about how "bad" America is, we need more people like Skenes who are proud to be American and don't shy away from their patriotism.
Skenes was asked why he flew out some Cadets to Houston to watch Team USA. He replied:
"At the end of the day, that's what this tournament's about, and what wearing USA is about. It's about the folks that let us be free and do what it takes, do what nobody else wants to do, what not everybody can do. Those types of people are the reason that we can play this game."
Rodriguez followed up by asking Skenes what the word service for his country means right now:
"Obviously didn't end up finishing my degree at Air Force, didn't end up serving. I think everybody who's on Team USA has answered a call in a way to serve our country, in a very different way than suiting up and risking your life for the country. But we're representing our nation every day, every game now, so it's heavy, and I don't think any of us take it lightly."
Paul Skenes on playing for Team USA:
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 3, 2026
"There was a big part of me that was fully intent on serving in the military... This isn't serving, but it's a pretty close second." pic.twitter.com/570J1h0mYX
This is the way an athlete is supposed to represent his nation — with pride and honor — and that translates on the field as well. During the World Baseball Classic tournament, Skenes had two starts, like the rest of the starting pitchers, but the two teams he faced — Mexico and the Dominican Republic — were tough tests that most pitchers would falter against.
Skenes finished the tournament with nine strikeouts, allowing just one walk and one earned run in just over eight innings, which brought his earned run average to a mere 1.08 for the tournament.
Team USA awaits the winner of Italy vs. Venezuela. The final is set for Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST.
