Team USA Opens World Baseball Classic with 15-5 Victory Over Brazil
HOUSTON – Team USA began its quest for a second World Baseball Classic title with a 15-5 victory over Brazil on Friday at Daikin Park in Houston. While the final score indicates a dominant performance, the game was closer than expected, remaining a three-run contest until a seven-run ninth inning sealed the win for the Americans.
Ramirez Shines for Brazil
Despite the loss, Brazil showcased its talent, particularly through the performance of Lucas Ramirez, son of 12-time All-Star Manny Ramirez. Ramirez homered twice, including a solo shot off Logan Webb in the first inning and another off Gabe Speier in the seventh. He also went deep off Jacob deGrom in an exhibition game against the Texas Rangers earlier in the week. Ramirez played a key role in Brazil qualifying for the tournament, going 5-for-13 during the qualification rounds.
Webb Impresses in Start
Team USA starter Logan Webb rebounded from Ramirez’s early home run, retiring the next 12 batters he faced, including six via strikeout, in a four-inning start. The U.S. Pitching staff continued the momentum, retiring 15 consecutive batters after Ramirez’s first home run.
Judge Sets the Tone
Aaron Judge, Team USA’s captain, made an immediate impact, hitting a two-run home run in his first at-bat of the competition off Brazil starter Bo Takahasi. Manager Mark DeRosa highlighted Judge’s importance to the team, stating the team “revolves around him.”
Turang Breaks the Game Open
With the game still within reach, Brice Turang delivered a key blow in the fifth inning, clearing the bases with a slicing double. Turang finished the night with three hits and four RBI, leading the U.S. Offense. He was the 2024 National League Platinum Glove Award winner and demonstrated his offensive capabilities, hitting 21% better than league average in the previous season.
Brazil’s Youthful Presence
Brazil’s roster featured notable young talent, including 17-year-old Joseph Contreras, the son of former All-Star pitcher José Contreras. Contreras impressed by inducing a ground ball double play from Judge with the bases loaded in the second inning, limiting the damage in his 1.1 innings pitched. Brazil also featured 40-year-old Tiago Da Silva, who pitched 1.2 scoreless innings of relief.
Wild Pitching Hurts Brazil
Brazil’s pitchers issued a total of 17 walks, a rare occurrence in professional baseball, having only happened 14 times in MLB history. This ultimately proved costly, contributing significantly to Team USA’s seven-run ninth inning.
What’s Next for Team USA?
Team USA will face Great Britain on Saturday, with two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal taking the mound. Following a day off on Sunday, they will play Mexico on Monday and Italy on Tuesday, completing Pool B play.
Source: MLB.com, USA Today, The New York Times, Sporting News