Team Mexico falls short against USA

HOUSTON – Mexico’s red, white and green outnumbered the red, white and blue in the crowd but not the scoreboard Monday night at Daikin Park. USA chants were met with boos from the Mexican fans, but it wasn’t nearly enough to derail Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Roman Anthony and Co.

Mexico’s fans made up more than half of the sellout crowd of 41,628. Even former Astros third baseman Alex Bregman couldn’t avoid boos in a city that has grown to love him. Although the crucial Pool B game was played in the United States, and Team USA was the home team, it felt like a neutral site for both teams. 

“Yeah, that was pretty cool,” Skenes said after throwing four scoreless innings in the 5-3 victory. “You’re exactly right. You didn’t know who the home team was. And there were times during the game where the Mexico fans got fired up and there were times when the USA got fired up.

“It was pretty cool. I think it would be hard to find another atmosphere like that outside of a tournament like this. It just doesn’t happen in the regular season, I don’t think. That was cool to be a part of.”

With the victory, Team USA improved to 3-0 in pool play while Mexico dropped to 2-1. The U.S. beat Mexico in the WBC for the first time since Team USA won the first meeting between the countries in the inaugural WBC 20 years ago.

Five-run third propels USA

A five-run third inning was all Skenes and the USA needed. Team USA couldn’t score against journeyman Manny Barreda despite two hits and three walks. Barreda worked his way through high-leverage situations, but two innings was all he gave. 

Team USA took advantage of Barreda’s departure. Former major leaguer Jesus Cruz was met by a 95 mph come-backer from Bryce Harper that struck his right leg to start the third inning. Team USA captain Aaron Judge, who made a perfect throw to gun down a runner in the top of the third, barreled a hanging slider for a two-run home run to open the scoring.

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After a single and a hit-by-pitch, Roman Anthony hit a towering three-run home run into the home bullpen. That was enough for Skenes, who threw four scoreless innings of one-hit ball. 

In spite of falling to a five-run deficit early, Mexico rallied as “Si se puede” chants echoed throughout the stadium. Mexican fans seemingly never stopped believing in their team, and neither did Team Mexico. Jarren Duran homered to get Mexico on the board in the sixth inning. He added another homer in the eighth inning to aid Mexico’s comeback hopes. 

Late in the game, Mexico had opportunities to tie the game, but felt just short. Mexico’s manager Benji Gil believes these shortcomings only make this team better.

Benji Gil proud of ‘admirable’ finish

“I have to say that I was very inspired by the way that the team ended or finished the game,” Gil said, “knowing that they were facing one of the best pitchers in the world. It was a tremendous lineup, and no one gave up. And everyone kept fighting. And we were just down a swing. That was the only difference from tying the game.

“But we were very proud of them. And the last, well, it’s actually kind of weird for you to have a good taste after a defeat. Obviously I wanted to win, but this team showed us a lot. And it actually excites me for what’s to come.”

The North American rivalry between Mexico and the USA brings excitement between the two. From Cal Raleigh not shaking his Seattle Mariners teammate’s Randy Arozarena’s hand to bantering from fans in the stands, this heated duel also showcases the competitiveness of this game. 

With Mexico and the USA being the favorites to advance from Pool B, Gil hopes they’ll have an opportunity for redemption. 

“I desire that more than anything in the world, to face them again in Miami. I think that we’ll end up 1-1 against the U.S. in this tournament. And Mexico won’t lose again until three years from now.”