The Dominican Republic made itself at home by beating the United States 3-1 Thursday night to earn a berth in the final round of the WBC, according to an ESPN.com report.

Erick Aybar singled home Nelson Cruz with the go-ahead run in the ninth for the Dominicans, who improved to 5-0. The Dominican Republic is assured of a spot in the semifinals beginning Sunday in San Francisco.

The United States must now face Puerto Rico on Friday night, with the winner earning a trip to San Francisco and the loser being eliminated.