MIAMI (AP) 鈥� Gunnar Henderson started at third base for the United States over Alex Bregman Sunday night in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, then homered in the fourth inning against the Dominican Republic.
Henderson, a star shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, drove a 3-2 sweeper from Luis Severino 400 feet to right-center to tie the game and set up the go-ahead home run for the Americans’ third straight trip to the WBC final.
Manager Mark DeRosa moved Henderson into the starting spot because of his favorable career numbers against Severino, and that decision paid off.
鈥淚 feel like I can see his pitches well,鈥� Henderson said, 鈥渁nd it鈥檚 something that gives you confidence going into the game. I was able to fight off a couple good pitches and then get one more over the plate, and I didn鈥檛 miss it.鈥�
Henderson entered the game 7 for 9 in his career against Severino with a home run, double and four RBIs. Bregman is 5 for 21 in the regular season against Severino with a homer and three RBIs.
鈥淪even of nine, that鈥檚 a good sample size,鈥� DeRosa said. 鈥淗e obviously sees Luis well, and Luis threw the heck out of the ball.鈥�
Henderson has gone 6 of 14 with a double and two home runs in three WBC games.
DeRosa added he spoke on Saturday with Bregman, who has gone 2 for 11 in four games, about the benching.
鈥淭hese guys like the lineup out the night before, so I was able to do that, and he was good with it,” DeRosa said. “It鈥檚 game on.鈥�
Will Smith started at catcher over Cal Raleigh, who is hitless in nine plate appearances this WBC.
Sunday’s game was expected to be a thrilling star-studded matchup, with the Dominicans bringing the hottest lineup in the tournament against arguably the best pitcher in baseball in Paul Skenes.
The Dominicans are 5-0 in the tournament, have outscored opponents 51-10 while batting .312.
鈥淪kenes is one of the best pitchers today in the major leagues,” Dominican manager Albert Pujols said. 鈥淏ut we also have one of the best offenses in this tournament, so it鈥檚 going to be power versus power. We鈥檒l try to win.鈥�
Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara will start on Tuesday if the Dominicans advance to the final regardless of who they face, Pujols said. Italy plays Venezuela in the semis on Monday night.
鈥淎lcantara will be our pitcher no matter what,鈥� Pujols said. “If God gives us that opportunity, if we move to the final, Alcantara will be the starter. I鈥檓 not going to change it no matter what, no matter if it is Italy or Venezuela. … I trust Sandy, and I hope to be here talking with you on Tuesday.鈥�
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