Team USA has a 1-0 record in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Maybe there’s still some work to be done.
Let’s say the U.S. walks but doesn’t run against Brazil, and Brazil trails by just three runs entering the ninth inning. The U.S. team ultimately won 15-5, but this was a performance that the U.S. team could not withstand against other strong WBC teams.
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You might expect a lineup featuring the likes of Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber and Carl Rowley (who combined for 169 home runs in 2025) to be able to hold up against a Brazilian pitching staff composed of multiple teenagers, but the U.S. offense was reduced to two numbers: 17 walks and a 5-for-21 run scored.
In fact, it was Brazil who hit more home runs in Houston on Friday, with 20-year-old Lucas Ramirez (son of Boston Red Sox great Manny Ramirez) hitting two. The Americans had just one, on Judge’s batter in the first inning. The game did look like it was about to blow out.
The American team did not lead by more than two points until the fifth inning, chasing the score to 7-1. However, Brazil responded with a three-run rally in the seventh inning and ended the game with a home run by Victor Maskai.
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The Avalanche didn’t arrive until the ninth inning, adding seven consecutive players to extend the lead to double digits.
To say Team USA looked vulnerable on Friday would be a stretch. We know the team has power but the batting is fickle. They struck out just two in 36 at-bats, and when the opposing defense is under so much pressure, runs become inevitable.
It’s still a good reminder that, as talented as this team is, they’re playing a sport that’s very cruel to superpowers. Odds are, the next time the Americans hit just two extra-base hits in a game — like they did Friday with a homer from Judge and a double from No. 9 hitter Brice Turang — the results won’t be as smooth.
The U.S.’s next game is Saturday against Great Britain, with Mexico and Italy representing the rest of the group stage.
