Welcome to Pinstripe Alley’s coverage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic! We previewed Pool A, Pool B, Pool C, and Pool D in the linked articles. Since the first several days of the WBC feature a bevy of games, we’ll be recapping them in batches. Enjoy!
Pool B: USA (3-0) 5, Mexico (2-1) 3
While the United States jumped out to a big lead with Aaron Judge homering again, Mexico kept the game close, and USA faced their toughest test of the WBC slate thus so far.
After Paul Skenes and Manny Barreda each started the game with a couple zeroes, the US broke things open in the third. Shortly after a cannon of a throw from Judge caught a runner trying to advance to third, No. 99 got the party started with a two-run homer, his second of the tournament. Roman Anthony would go deep later in the inning, as the US put up a five spot to take control of the game. Meanwhile, Skenes ended up striking out seven, allowing just one hit in his four innings of work.
Following Skenes’ departure, things got a little close for comfort. Matthew Boyd came on for the fifth and allowed two runs, including a Jarren Duran home run. In the eighth, Durran homered off Boyd again, and Griffin Jax had to eventually come in to induce an inning-ending double play after Mexico put the tying run on.
In the ninth, Mexico again had a chance when Joey Meneses led off the inning with a single. Garrett Whitlock got the next three outs to seal the win, but it was a hairy one. Team USA hasn’t nailed down Pool B just yet, but they can secure the win by beating Italy today. The second spot should come from the winner of Mexico vs. Italy tomorrow.
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