Team USA has a 1-0 record in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. And perhaps some work to do.
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Let's just say the Americans walked but did not run against Brazil, which had the deficit at only three runs entering the ninth inning. The U.S. did notch a 15-5 victory, but it was also the kind of performance the Americans can't afford to have against the other WBC powers.
You would expect a lineup featuring the likes of Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber and Cal Raleigh — 169 combined homers in 2025 — to blast off against a Brazilian pitching staff featuring multiple teenagers, but the American offense instead came down to two stats: 17 walks and a 5-for-21 performance with runners in scoring position.
It was actually Brazil that had more homers Friday in Houston, with 20-year-old Lucas Ramirez, the son of Boston Red Sox great Manny Ramirez, clubbing two. Team USA had only one, off the bat of Judge in the first inning. The game sure looked headed to a blowout at that point.
AARON JUDGE GOES YARD 🇺🇸 #WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/rHI5uO5p6m
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 7, 2026
But the U.S. didn't have a lead of more than two runs until the fifth inning, when they pushed the score to 7-1. Brazil responded with a three-run rally in the seventh inning capped off by a homer from Victor Mascai.
The American avalanche only arrived in the ninth inning, when seven consecutive players reached base to push Team USA's lead to double digits.
It would be hyperbolic to say Team USA looked vulnerable on Friday. We know the group has power, and batted balls are fickle. The Americans struck out only twice in 36 at-bats, and runs become inevitable when that much pressure is on the opposing defense.
Yet it's a good reminder that as talented as this team is, they're playing a sport that can be very cruel to superpowers. Odds are that the next time Team USA posts only two extra-base hits in a game — as they did Friday, with the Judge homer and No. 9 hitter Brice Turang's double — it won't end as well.
Up next for the Americans is a game against Great Britain on Saturday, with Mexico and Italy representing their remaining Group B opponents.