The United States baseball team put on dominant displays in exhibition games ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic, showcasing its offensive prowess with victories over the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. baseball team showcased its offensive strength in exhibition games ahead of the World Baseball Classic, winning 15-1 against the Giants and 14-4 against the Rockies.
- Aaron Judge hit a 453-foot homer in the first inning against the Rockies.
- Alex Bregman homered for his third straight game, playing second base as manager Mark DeRosa experimented with defensive lineups.
- Clayton Kershaw made his first appearance since retiring from the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving up two runs but receiving a standing ovation.
- The U.S. team is preparing for its World Baseball Classic opener against Brazil on Friday.
In their first exhibition game against the Giants, the Americans took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Bobby Witt Jr. singled, followed by a double from Bryce Harper, and then a two-run single from Aaron Judge. The U.S. team went on to win 15-1 with a remarkable 19-hit performance over the course of 10 innings.
Roman Anthony hit a two-run homer, Alex Bregman added a solo shot, and Gunnar Henderson contributed with a two-run double. Harper commented on the team's dynamic, saying, 'We've got a great group of guys.' He praised Witt for setting the tone at the top of the lineup.
Paul Skenes, the National League Cy Young Award winner, had an impressive outing against the Giants. He gave up one run and one hit while striking out four batters over three innings. The 23-year-old right-hander retired his last nine batters consecutively. Skenes expressed excitement for the upcoming tournament in Houston.
Other notable performances included Matthew Boyd, who struck out four over 2 2/3 scoreless innings, and several relief pitchers who each threw a scoreless inning. The U.S. team is aiming to win its second World Baseball Classic title and first since 2017.
Manager Mark DeRosa was pleased with the team's camaraderie, noting that players stayed in the dugout long after being taken out of the game, engaging in conversations with their teammates. Alex Bregman, who hosted several teammates for dinner, shared insights from a motivational talk by Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.
The U.S. team continued its strong performance against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, winning 14-4. Aaron Judge crushed a 453-foot solo homer in the first inning, drawing roars and 'U-S-A!' chants from the crowd at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bregman homered for his third straight game, hitting a two-run shot to left field in the fifth inning while playing second base as DeRosa experimented with defensive lineups.
Clayton Kershaw, recently retired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, made his first appearance since announcing his retirement. He gave up two runs, a hit, and a walk while getting two outs but received a standing ovation. DeRosa has said Kershaw is on the WBC roster as an emergency option valued for his pitching wisdom and personality.
The U.S. team will travel to Houston for Friday's opener against Brazil. San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will be the starting pitcher, followed by two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal against Britain on Saturday and NL Cy Young winner Skenes vs. Mexico on Monday.
Nolan McLean, who is dealing with vertigo-like symptoms, is tentatively scheduled to start against Italy in the final group stage game on Tuesday. DeRosa confirmed that McLean's health was improving.
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