HOUSTON. – The United States national team (Baseball Team) defeated Mexico (Baseball Team) 5-3 on Monday night in an intense duel between undefeated teams of the 2026 World Baseball Classic held at Daikin Park in Houston.
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The American team had a solid opening from right-hander Paul Skenes, who shone in his tournament debut by pitching four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, completely dominating the Mexican offense in the early innings.
The United States’ offense also responded at key moments. Captain Aaron Judge hit his second home run of the tournament and provided a defensive assist from the outfield, while young Roman Anthony hit a three-run homer that proved decisive in the score.
With that early offensive, the American team managed to take a 5-0 lead, a difference that proved sufficient despite Mexico’s reaction in the final innings.
The Mexican team showed character and reduced the distance thanks to two home runs by Jarren Duran and a run-scoring single by veteran Joey Meneses, closing the gap to just two runs and placing the potential tying run on the plate in the ninth inning.
However, reliever Garrett Whitlock took charge of closing the game by dominating the last batter, securing the victory for the United States.
With the victory, the United States improved its record to 3-0 in the group stage and placed itself in a privileged position to win Group B and advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament. The team will still have to face Italy in its last match of the round.
For its part, Mexico fell to a 2-1 record and will seek to recover in its next commitment against Italy, a duel that will be key to its aspirations of advancing to the next stage of the World Baseball Classic. ⚾
