Team USA catcher Cal Raleigh did not take Monday's clash versus Team Mexico lightly, at one point shunning one of his Mariners teammates to set the tone for the 5-3 win over their neighbors down south.
As the charismatic Randy Arozarena stepped into the batter’s box at Houston's Daikin Park, he attempted to greet his Seattle teammate with a friendly glove tap. The Big Dumper (Raleigh) gave only a stone-faced stare toward the pitcher's mound, refusing to acknowledge the gesture.
It was a cold move, one that Randy may not even be able to overlook once they return to T-Mobile Park for the season, though Raleigh still has business to tend to after winning on Monday.
Setting the stage for the Americans was starter Paul Skenes, who brought a special cheering section to the stands.
Skenes and fellow reliever and Academy alumnus Griffin Jax arranged for the Air Force Academy baseball team to attend the USA-Mexico face-off as their guests.
Skenes fed off that energy by racking up seven strikeouts over four dominant and shutout innings.
"Captain America" Aaron Judge broke a scoreless game with a towering opposite-field, two-run home run in the third inning.
Moments later, ascending Red Sox star Roman Anthony blew the game open with a three-run blast into the second deck to give the U.S. a commanding 5-0 cushion. It was redemption for Anthony following a sluggish run around the bases in the second inning that saw him get tagged out at home.
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 09: Roman Anthony #3 of Team USA celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a three-run home run in the third inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game presented by Capital One between Team Mexico and Team USA at Daikin Park on Monday, March 9, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Rob Tringali/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Bobby Witt Jr. may have turned in the play of the game, cutting off a sharp grounder and firing a strike to first from his knees, uncoiling on the ball like a whip.
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