SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- While watching Team Mexico take swings against its pitchers on Wednesday afternoon, the D-backs' coaching staff talked amongst itself.
"The comments that we were making was they could make some noise in this, and I think they're expecting to," D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said.
Team Mexico fell to the D-backs, 10-4, at Salt River Fields in its final tuneup before the World Baseball Classic.
Following the game, Team Mexico headed to the airport to fly to Jalisco, Mexico, where it will open the World Baseball Classic on Thursday with a 9 p.m. ET matchup (live on MLB.TV and MLB Network) against Italy at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco.
:: 2017 World Baseball Classic ::
The World Baseball Classic runs through March 22. In the U.S., games air live exclusively in English on MLB Network and on an authenticated basis via MLBNetwork.com/watch, while ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN provide the exclusive Spanish-language coverage. MLB.TV Premium subscribers in the U.S. have access to watch every tournament game live on any of the streaming service's 400-plus supported devices. The tournament is being distributed internationally across all forms of television, internet, mobile and radio in territories excluding the U.S., Puerto Rico and Japan. Get tickets for games at Marlins Park, Tokyo Dome, Estadio Charros de Jalisco in Mexico, Petco Park, as well as the Championship Round at Dodger Stadium, while complete coverage -- including schedules, video, stats and gear -- is available at WorldBaseballClassic.com.
Team Mexico also played the Padres on Tuesday, and the pair of games against Major League clubs helped manager Edgar Gonzalez learn quite a bit about his team.
"I got a lot out of them. I think they were really helpful," Gonzalez said. "Our team, I think, is in better shape than I thought. Obviously, I thought we were in good shape before, but even more so now."

Yovani Gallardo will start for Team Mexico on Thursday, and Gonzalez kept his starting pitchers and most of his key relievers out of Wednesday's game to make sure they were fresh. In their place, Gonzalez used a handful of Minor Leaguers on loan from the Padres.
"We know that they're a very capable offensive team," Lovullo said. "I think they could potentially do some damage from an offensive standpoint. I've seen their roster of guys that are going to be throwing, and it looks like it's going to be a pretty healthy team."
Team Mexico got to face one of the Majors' best pitchers in Zack Greinke and acquitted well. Greinke allowed a pair of runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings and may have given up more if not for a slick double play.
"Obviously, he's a great pitcher, and for us to face him and approach him with no fear and with a plan and execute the plan, I think it was a great experience," Gonzalez said. "I think they looked good and were ready to go."

Worth Noting
• First baseman Adrian Gonzalez (right elbow) did not play Wednesday, but he will be ready on Thursday.
"He's good to go," Edgar Gonzalez said. "He's in there tomorrow."