Team USA snaps losing streak to Mexico with key WBC victory
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Team USA, which has won three straight to start the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), advanced to the quarterfinal round with a 5-3 win over Mexico in Houston on Monday night.
Mexico has prevailed in each of its last three meetings against the United States, including the 2023 match that ended with El Tri defeating the Stars and Stripes 11-5.
However, thanks to the hitting power of captain Aaron Judge and 21-year-old Boston Red Sox phenom Roman Anthony, Team USA was able to end the streak at Daikin Park.
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Aaron Judge of the United States reacts to a home run in the third inning during the World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Mexico and the United States at Daikin Park on March 9, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Houston Astros/Getty Images)
With the USA unable to cash in the bases loaded in the first and runners on in the second, Judge wasted no time in hitting his second home run of the tournament, hitting Jesus Cruz to right field for a 2-0 lead.
Later, after Kyle Schwarber headed right and a throw was tipped to Cal Raleigh, Anthony didn’t miss a shot inside. The rising moon pitch took forever to land, and Anthony, who was hit at the plate in the bottom of the second inning, achieved some redemption by opening the game.
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The tone was certainly set by Paul Skenes, who was making his WBC debut for the US team and the lights were off. He allowed just one hit and struck out seven in four innings pitched (60 pitches).
Skenes’ repertoire was exciting as always; There were sharp breaking sinkers and changeups to accompany a 90 mph fastball. The former Air Force Academy pitcher had been looking forward to this moment for some time and didn’t waste the opportunity to help his team.
Paul Skenes of the United States reacts during the first inning of the World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Mexico and the United States at Daikin Park on March 9, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Houston Astros/Getty Images)
After the five-run inning, the U.S. bats quieted down a bit, giving Mexico a chance to gain momentum.
It was Anthony’s Red Sox teammate Jarren Duran who got El Tri on the board with a solo home run from Chicago Cubs ace Matthew Boys.
And this wouldn’t be Duran’s only big move because he saw the ball very well in Houston. After Joey Meneses’ infield single off Jonathan Aranda made it 5-2 in the top of the sixth inning, Duran led off the top of the eighth inning with a 374-foot shot to right field off Boyd.
Griffin Jax was called upon by manager Mark DeRosa to clear the frame and Garrett Whitlock closed the door in the ninth inning to secure the victory.
With a 3-0 record, the United States does not have a do-or-die situation going into its final pool match against Italy on Tuesday night. Of course, they’d love to go undefeated and build momentum into games like Game 7 of the postseason, improving with each stretch.
Aaron Judge of the United States hits a home run in the third inning of the World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Mexico and the United States at Daikin Park on March 9, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Houston Astros/Getty Images)
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USA and Italy team will face each other at Daikin Park on Tuesday night at 20:00.
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