The United States entered the World Baseball Classic as one of the favorites, they had their first game Saturday, against Great Britain, followed by Sunday night against Mexico. The one weak spot heading into the Classic for Team USA, was their starting rotation, and it showed.
USA vs. Great Britain: 6-2 USA Win
Let's start with the awful jerseys Great Britain were giving. I believe that is Arial font, Microsoft word lookin ass!
Team USA won 6-2, but it didn't feel like the dominant performance many expected with a lineup that is composed of some of MLB's biggest stars. Cardinals teammates Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado lived up to the hype, but they were exceptions. The game started inauspiciously for the Americans. Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson homered off starter Adam Wainwright in the first inning for a 1-0 GB lead, and Great Britain starter Vance Worley held the offense scoreless for the first two frames. In the third, however, the United States finally mustered some momentum, with Arenado driving in Goldschmidt from first with a double.
Kyle Schwarber gave Team USA breathing room in the next inning with a three-run homer toward the right-field pool at Chase Field, putting the United States up 5-1. The Schwarbomb sealed the game. Kyle Freeland gave up 1 run in his relief appearance for the US, his only blemish in his 3 innings of relief. David Bedner came into close it and wad dominant in getting the final three outs.
USA vs Mexico: 11-5 Mexico Win
USA manager Mark DeRosa's inexperience peeked through in this game. A clearly struggling Brady Singer was getting touched up but no one was warming in the bullpen. Meneses then launched his second homer of the game, a three-run shot in the fourth to put Mexico up 7-1.
Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena balled out in an excellent game for Mexico as well, showcasing once more the big-stage ability that fans first witnessed in the 2020 MLB postseason. Arozarena went 3 for 5 and drove in a pair of runs to continue his impressive WBC work at the plate.
The Americans scored three runs in the eighth to make the final outcome more respectable. Tim Anderson had two hits and three RBIs, while Will Smith hit a solo homer.
The U.S. fell to 1-1 in Pool C with the loss and currently sits in a three-way tie for second place with Canada and Mexico. Expect to see Tim Anderson back in the starting line up as the US faces off against Canada tonight, wouldn't be surprised if they give Trea Turner the start at second base and Jeff McNeil coming off the bench.
Here is how the rest of the standing lay off. Pool's A & B got an early start as they began a few days earlier than the Phoenix and Miami divisions.
