U.S. shows offensive muscle in 15-1
win over Giants in exhibition before World Baseball Classic
[March 04, 2026]
By DAVID BRANDT
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The United States wasted little time
showing how potent its roster could be at the upcoming World
Baseball Classic.
The Americans needed just three batters to take a 2-0 lead in the
first inning of their exhibition game against the San Francisco
Giants on Tuesday after Bobby Witt Jr. singled, Bryce Harper doubled
and three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge hit a two-run single.
The U.S. won 15-1 with a 19-hit performance in the 10-inning
contest. Roman Anthony hit a two-run homer, Alex Bregman added a
solo shot and Gunnar Henderson had a two-run double.
“We’ve got a great group of guys,” Harper said. ”Bobby Witt starting
it at the top, being a table-setter up there for us. Obviously, one
through nine we've got a pretty good dynamic. We've just got to
continue to be good."
National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes had a solid
outing, giving up one run and one hit while striking out four over
three innings. The right-hander gave up a leadoff double to Willy
Adames, who scored on a groundout.
The 23-year-old retired his last nine batters.
“It's a spring-training game, but it's still surreal,” Skenes said.
“It's going to be exciting when we get to Houston and it's the real
deal.”
Left-hander Matthew Boyd followed Skenes, striking out four over 2
2/3 scoreless innings. David Bednar, Mason Miller, Griffin Jax and
Gabe Speier each threw a scoreless inning.
The Americans are trying to win their second WBC title and first
since 2017. Manager Mark DeRosa said he was thrilled that all the
starters stayed in the dugout well after being taken out of the
game, talking with their temporary teammates.
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United States starting pitcher Paul Skenes throws against the San
Francisco Giants during the first inning of an exhibition baseball
game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D.
Franklin)
“You look down the dugout, you're seeing Bregman
talking to Roman Anthony, you're seeing (Tarik) Skubal and Skenes on
the top step, you're seeing Judge and (Cal) Raleigh talking,” DeRosa
said. “That's what I wanted to create, the coaching staff wanted to
create — an environment where these guys didn't want to leave.”
Bregman — who lives in the Phoenix area — had several U.S. teammates
over for dinner last night. He said 23-time U.S. gold medalist
swimmer Michael Phelps spoke to the group for motivation.
“He just shared what it takes,” Bregman said. “Controlling the
controllables and getting after it.”
The U.S. will play one more exhibtion game in Arizona on Wednesday
against the Colorado Rockies before traveling to Houston on Thursday
to prepare for the the group stage.
San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will start the opener against
Brazil on Friday. Two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik
Skubal is expected to start Saturday against Britain, followed by
Skenes vs. Mexico on Monday.
New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean is tentatively scheduled to
start on Tuesday in the final pool-play game against Italy, even
though he’s dealing with vertigo-like symptoms and hopes to join the
U.S. in Houston. DeRosa said after Tuesday's exhibition that
McLean's health was improving.
Skubal is expected to make just one start for the U.S. before
rejoining the Detroit Tigers for the remainder of spring training.
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