USA beats Mexico for the first time in 20 years in World Classic
With home runs from Aaron Judge and Roman Anthony, the US defeats Mexico in a clash of undefeated teams in the World Baseball Classic
HOUSTON — The United States team defeated this monday 5-3 to that of Mexico for keep your undefeated in it World Baseball Classicin its sixth edition, and set foot in the quarterfinal stage.
With an eight-hit attack, including home runs by Aaron Judge and Roman Anthony, the Americans scored five runs in the third inning to set the course of the match and beat Mexico for the first time since 2006 after three losses.
The United States ninth missed a good opportunity to take advantage in the second inning in which Anthony walked and reached third base with a double by Brice Turang, but he followed home and was thrown out.
In the third inning, the Americans’ offense exploded and gave five runs to reliever Jesús Cruz, who accepted a single from Bryce Harper, a home run from Judge, a hit from Kyle Schwarber and, after hitting Cal Raleigh, allowed a home run from Anthony.
The United States starter, Paul Skenes, made the Mexican hitters eat out of his hand; In four innings he allowed one hit and struck out seven opponents.
Mexico breathed a sigh of relief with the departure of the Cy Young Award from the National League, and in the sixth inning they scored two runs against left-handed reliever Matthew Boyd, who allowed a home run by Jarren Durán and singles by Jonathan Aranda, Alejandro Kirk and Joey Meneses, who drove in the second run.
Boyd allowed another Durán home run in the eighth inning to make the game 5-3. The left-hander hit outfielder Randy Arozarena, but struck out Aranda, while reliever Griffin Jax forced Kirk to hit into a double play.
Mexico threatened in the ninth inning, when Meneses singled off reliever Garrett Whitlock, but the pitcher struck out Alejandro Osuna and Julian Ornelas and retired Alek Thomas on a grounder through the infield to ensure his team’s victory.
The game was won by Skenes and lost by Cruz, with a save by Whitlock.
For the United States, Judge went 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs and one run scored; For the Mexicans, Durán went 3 for 4, with two home runs, two runs scored and three RBIs.
The United States reached three victories in three outings to be the leader of Group B, followed by Italy (2-0) and Mexico (2-1).
This Tuesday the Americans will face Italy in a duel of undefeated teams.
