Superstars shine as USA holds off Mexico in thriller

HOUSTON -- The "U-S-A!" chants were booming. The Mexico fans were deafening. And in the end, the U.S. was the better team in the most hyped game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

In an electric atmosphere at Daikin Park on Monday night, Team USA defeated Mexico, 5-3, in a thrilling showdown between the WBC rivals.

"I think it would be hard to find another atmosphere like that outside of a tournament like this," United States starter Paul Skenes said. "It just doesn't happen in the regular season, I don't think. That was cool to be a part of."

The superstars came through for the U.S., which got a dominating start from Paul Skenes and a big game by captain Aaron Judge. Skenes pitched four shutout innings with seven strikeouts to earn the win in his WBC debut. Judge hit his second home run of the Classic and had a clutch outfield assist.

And on top of all that, rising star Roman Anthony also crushed a huge three-run homer that proved to be the difference-maker.

"It was an unbelievable environment," Anthony said. "For me at least, it's the loudest game I've been a part of. Just amazing to get baseball like that this early in the year. And always great when you win."

These teams could still meet again at the 2026 Classic. It would likely be in the championship game next Tuesday in Miami, if the U.S. and Mexico can get there.

A rematch with a WBC title on the line would be primed to be an instant classic. And it's what Mexico manager Benji Gil is craving.

"I hope we play the U.S. again. That would be awesome. I would be ecstatic to face them again," Gil said.

"In fact, you know what? I want to face them more than I want anything else in the world. How's that? Unless -- I don't know what the lottery is at right now -- but if the lottery is right around 800 million, yeah, I'll win the lottery and cheer everybody from afar.

"But outside of that? I desire that more than anything in the world. Face them again in Miami. I think that we'll end up 1-1 against the U.S. … this tournament. And Mexico won't lose again until three years from now."

But for now, with this win, Team USA has seized control of Pool B of the 2026 Classic and exorcised some demons against a Mexican team that's had its number in the WBC.

And even on Monday, Mexico mounted a late comeback effort that brought the raucous Mexican fans -- who have been incredible all tournament -- to life. Jarren Duran knocked two home runs to lead the charge as Mexico pulled to within two runs in the eighth inning and got the tying run to the plate in the ninth.

But Garrett Whitlock shut the door, and the superteam the U.S. has assembled in 2026 pulled through. Team USA is now 3-0 in pool play with one game remaining, putting it in the driver's seat to win Pool B and advance to the tournament quarterfinals.

"[We were] facing what everybody has considered a superteam," Gil said. "And yet they battled and battled and battled -- and we were one swing away from tying the game."

"Ton of respect for Mexico and Benji," USA manager Mark DeRosa said. "Their team is a legit team, bottom line. Great game, great atmosphere."

The U.S. hasn't technically clinched a spot in the next round yet, with one game to play against Italy on Tuesday, because the U.S., Mexico and Italy could still all finish in a three-way tie at 3-1. If Team USA beats Italy, of course, it would finish first in the pool at 4-0.

Mexico fell to 2-1, also with one game against Italy remaining on Wednesday. It’ll need to win that game to have a chance to advance.

Team USA will take being in the driver's seat. Players like Skenes and Anthony might be playing in their first Classic, but they know how great these games can get, especially deeper in the tournament.

"The first one I can remember watching is the 2017 one, which was an iconic tournament, had some iconic moments," Skenes said. "It's been everything I could have expected and more. It's been awesome. So I can't wait to keep going."

Anthony was even at the championship game of the 2023 Classic, watching as a fan when the U.S. lost to Japan after driving to Miami with a few of his friends. Now that he's on the team himself, cracking clutch hits for Team USA, he wants to help flip that script.

"I got to experience that atmosphere," Anthony said. "To be a part of it as a fan -- I can tell you that being on the field is a whole lot better."