USC middle attacker Parker Tomkinson in the final game took over the match.
Tomkinson had four blocks in the fourth game and finished with match-high eight blocks as the United States defeated the Dominican Republic 23-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-13 in the Pan American Cup quarterfinals on Friday in Mexico.
The All-American middle attacker contributed back-to-back blocks during an 11-2 run to open the final game. Tomkinson also had the match-winning block to secure the United States a spot in the semifinals.
Along with the defensive performance, Tomkinson had four kills on an .800 attack percentage.
Former Ohio State setter Michael Wright guided the U.S. offense to out-hit the Dominican Republic .436 to .183.
Outside attacker Jacob Pasteur led all players with 14 kills on a .619 attack percentage, including having six kills in the opening game. The former Ohio State All-American also did not commit an attack error until midway through the final game.
Former CSUN opposite Kyle Hobus added 11 kills, while former Ball State outside attacker Patrick Rogers and former UCLA middle attacker Cameron Thorne each had nine kills.
Pin-hitter Hector Alexis Cruz Cepin in the loss had a team-high 13 kills. Cruz Cepin, though, was only the Dominican Republic player to have double-digit kills.
The United States with this victory will advance to play the host nation Mexico in the semifinal on Saturday.
Mexico earned a bye to the semifinals after going 3-1 in pool-play and finishing its pool in first place.