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Somehow, Team USA is through the World Baseball Classic final. The Americans got all they could handle in the form of a Dominican Republic side that boasted the tournament's most explosive offense.
But the United States' pitching, defense -- and some spotty umpiring -- lifted the side to a 2-1 win over the Caribbean side, leaving Mark DeRosa's bunch one game away from a tournament crown.
Waiting in the wings for the United States is one of Venezuela or Italy. Neither side will be a pushover; the Italians put Team USA to the sword in an 8-5 win at the end of pool play, while the Venezuelans set aside defending champion Japan to punch its ticket to the semifinals.
Suffice to say, Team USA would benefit from a performance similar to that of Paul Skenes' showing from Sunday night. The hulking twirler was fiery, allowing just one run to help give the United States a chance to secure a win.
So, just who will take the mantle from Skenes and attempt to pitch a masterpiece of his own for the Americans in the WBC title game? Here's what you need to know.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC HQ: Live scores | Updated standings | Full TV schedule
Who is USA's starting pitcher for championship game?
Mets ace Nolan McLean will take the mound for Team USA in its championship game tilt against the winner of Venezuela vs. Italy. The right-handed pitcher has one WBC appearance under his belt, having strode onto the bump for Team USA's joust with Italy.
It wasn't a pretty sight for the 24-year-old. McLean surrendered three earned runs in three innings, all of which came from home runs. He was handed the loss in his lone start, posting a 9.00 ERA in the process.
Despite McLean's struggles, he remains a captivating talent. He has six pitches in his arsenal, including a wicked sinker that darts across the zone and a looping curveball that evades more bats than it doesn't. McLean used that skillset to great effect during a cup of coffee stop in MLB in 2025, going 5-1 while posting a 2.06 ERA and tallying 57 strikeouts in 48.0 innings of action.
MORE: How a controversial strike call helped Team USA reach the WBC Championship Game
Who does Nolan McLean play for in MLB?
McLean plays for the New York Mets. He made his MLB debut in Aug. 2025, striking out eight while holding the Mariners without a run en route to a win. He added another four in his remaining seven appearances, establishing himself as one of New York's most reliable arms.
McLean is widely considered a favorite to capture NL Rookie of the Year honors. The Oklahoma State alum placed sixth on the MLB Pipeline's top-100 prospects list in 2026, higher than any other hurler.
MORE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 2026:
- The biggest differences between WBC vs. MLB
- How many innings in World Baseball Classic games?
- Why WBC games can end early with mercy rule
- How qualifying, pool play, standings and more work in the WBC
Nolan McLean MLB stats
Here's a look at McLean's numbers throughout his still-nascent career big league career:
- Games: 8
- Record: 5-1
- Innings: 48.0
- ERA: 2.06
- Strikeouts: 57
Nolan McLean WBC stats
McLean hasn't quite been able to recreate his big league form in the WBC. But his sample size is quite small, with only one appearance to his name in the competition:
- Games: 1
- Record: 0-1
- Innings: 3.0
- ERA: 9.00
- Strikeouts: 4
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