U.S. captain Aaron Judge crushes
453-homer in preparation for World Baseball Classic
[March 05, 2026]
By DAVID BRANDT
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Aaron Judge looks ready for his first World
Baseball Classic. Alex Bregman does, too.
As for the recently-retired Clayton Kershaw? Understandably a little
rust.
Judge crushed a 453-foot solo homer in the first inning of the
team's exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday,
the U.S. captain drawing a roar from the crowd and then “U-S-A!”
chants in a packed ballpark at Salt River Fields.
Judge's no-doubter to left field off lefty Kyle Freeland left his
bat at 115.9 mph. The three-time MVP is trying to lead the Americans
to their first WBC title since 2017.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Judge said. “Getting a
chance to be surrounded by the greatness we have in this room —
MVPs, Cy Young winners, World Series champs, All-Stars — the list
goes on and on. It's going to be a cool experience. You get the
chance to play for your country and also learn a thing or two.”
Bregman homered for his third straight game, the second for the
U.S., hitting a two-run shot to left field in fifth inning. Usually
a third baseman, he played second as manager Mark DeRosa
experimented with potential defensive lineups.
It was part of a five-homer day for the U.S. in a 14-4 win. Paul
Goldschmidt, Will Smith and Byron Buxton also went deep. Brice
Turang had two doubles and two RBIs.
The 37-year-old Kershaw was back on the mound for the first time
since announcing his retirement from the Los Angeles Dodgers after a
brilliant 18-year big league career. He surrendered a solo homer to
Mickey Moniak on his third pitch.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner gave up two runs, a hit and a
walk while getting two outs, but still received a standing ovation.
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United States' Aaron Judge rounds the bases after hitting a home run
against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of an
exhibition baseball game Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Scottsdale,
Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
“It was special,” Kershaw said. “I think just being
on this team is a bucket-list thing from the beginning. Obviously, I
thought I was never going to throw a baseball again, so to get to do
it again with Team USA across your chest and come back to that
dugout is really special.”
DeRosa has said Kershaw is on the WBC roster as essentially an
emergency option, valued more for his pitching wisdom and affable
personality than his actual performance. Kershaw had an 11-2 record
and 3.36 ERA for the Dodgers last season and helped the team win its
second straight World Series while being limited to two postseason
appearances.
The U.S. will travel to Houston for Friday's opener against Brazil.
San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will be the starting pitcher.
Two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is expected to start
Saturday against Britain, followed by NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes
vs. Mexico on Monday.
New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean is tentatively scheduled to
start on Tuesday in the final group stage 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 15-1 exhibition win
over the Giants that McLean’s health was improving.
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