Aaron Judge delivered a pivotal two-run homer in the third inning, propelling the United States to a strong start against Mexico in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) B Pool round-robin game at Daikin Park on March 10.
Judge Ignites Rally with Clutch Power
The score stood at 0-0 entering the bottom of the third when Bryce Harper reached on an infield single. Judge then capitalized from a 2-ball, 1-strike count, battling back to full on Paul Skenes’ slider before launching an 89.4 mph offering 364 feet to right field for a 2-0 lead. The blast carried an exit velocity of 101.5 mph.
This marked Judge’s first homer since a first-inning solo shot against Brazil on March 7, showcasing his continued hot streak with come-from-behind power in key moments.
Skenes Dominates Mexico Lineup
Starter Paul Skenes set the tone, firing four scoreless innings with one hit, one walk, and seven strikeouts. He overwhelmed Mexico’s bats, treating them to a masterclass in dominance. Over 60 pitches, Skenes landed 39 strikes, including a tournament-high fastball velocity of 99.7 mph (160.5 km/h) and an average of 97.9 mph.
His arsenal featured heat from pitchers like Jin-hye (98.2 mph peak), Vissett, Singer, Splinter, Chein Jeob, Swiper, Corbin, and sliders, blending speed and movement effectively.
Offense Builds Momentum
Roman Anthony added firepower earlier, launching a three-run homer to center in the third after Kyle Schwarber’s infield single and Cal Raleigh’s sacrifice fly loaded the bases. Anthony crushed an 84.7 mph two-seamer from the pitcher, driving in runners for a 5-0 cushion. The shot boasted a 105.5 mph exit velocity and soared 417 feet.
Judge had tested the right-field line in the first but fell short of a homer. Despite early concessions of three homers across the first two innings tournament-wide, the USA adjusted swiftly.
Defensive Stand Seals Control
In the third, with two outs and runners on after Joey Otis’ RBI single, Judge tracked a deep fly for the final out, preserving the shutout and thwarting Mexico’s rally. The Americans carried a 5-0 lead into the fifth.
Prior victories over England (8-2) and Brazil (16-0) underline the USA’s championship pedigree, with Skenes anchoring the first-place bid.
