Coach Pujols closed his mouth despite the controversy over the strikeout call! "I won't give you the last performance."→God's decision, I'm proud of the players"

*This content was translated by AI.

The run of the Dominican Republic national team, led by Albert Pujols (46), the "legend of 703 home runs in the Major League," was blocked by the U.S. and stopped in the semifinals. The game ended with a dubious decision, but Pujols chose pride instead of anger and excuses. He shut up about Mason Miller's controversial last strikeout.

Dominica lost 1-2 in the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) at Rondipo Park in Miami, Florida at 9 a.m. on the 16th (Korea time). He took a 1-0 lead, but allowed a come-from-behind victory in the top of the fourth inning with two home runs.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, he had a chance to get on third base with two outs, but the game ended as the slider thrown by U.S. closer Mason Miller against Heraldo Perdomo drew a strike decision. According to Major League Game Day, it was a rather low course, but the center called the strike. Controversy erupted around the world, including American journalists. In particular, there are voices that ABS (automatic ball determination system) should be introduced to WBC as well.

It was a fuss right after the game, but coach Albert Pujols was determined. Asked about the decision controversy in an official interview after the game, Pujols said firmly, "I will not dwell on the last ball of this game."

Pujols then said, "It was a great match between the two giants. "I'm just really proud of how our players showed at this tournament," he said. "We once again raised the flag on behalf of our country and left the brand of Dominican baseball." He showed an attitude that he would not let one unfair decision undermine the value of the prestigious game.

Instead of looking for the cause of the defeat, Pujols then accepted it as a humble "fate." "I always believe that God determines the fate of all of us. "It wasn't just our competition," Pujols said. "It's not like we were lacking in preparation. It was a game that anyone could beat, and this time, the U.S. only won," he said, even honoring his opponent.

Pujols was at the peak of everything as a baseball player, including winning the World Series MVP when he was active, but this two weeks as a manager were special to him more than anything else.

Pujols said, "I achieved a lot during my 23 years of professional life, but the last time I coached these players on behalf of my country was the best experience of my life," adding, "There may be people who are heartbroken and will cry, but we have to raise our heads." We did a great job," he said, consoling the team and the people.

Apart from the head coach's determined response, the controversy over the "last strikeout call" that ended the game is not expected to subside easily. The controversial decision, which came at a desperate moment when a one-point match, especially a ticket to the finals, is still drawing strong criticism among baseball fans.

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*This content was translated by AI.