Pirates ace Paul Skenes gave up just one hit over four innings and Team USA scored all five of its runs in the third, highlighted by a solo home run by Aaron Judge and a three-run blast by Roman Anthony, in a 5-3 win over Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. The US is 3-0 and at the top of Pool B.
Skenes struck out seven and walked one. He says it felt great to finally get into a game.
Skenes says as big as the Classic is, it’s still just a baseball game.
Pirates infielder Nick Gonzalez was 0-for-3 for Mexico.
Team USA wraps up pool play with a game against Italy and their manager, Francisco Cervelli, tonight at 8. The Mets’ Nolan McLean is scheduled to start.
Other WBC highlights yesterday for the Pirates included a home run by Oneil Cruz for the Dominican Republic in their win over Israel, which got a homer from the Pirates’ Spencer Horwitz.
PIRATES
Endy Rodriguez homered, Konnor Griffin hit a two-run game-tying double, and the Pirates took the lead for good on a seventh inning Enmanuel Valdez RBI groundout, tacking on a run on Shawn Ross’s run-scoring double for a 5-3 win over the Yankees last night in Tampa.
Jose Urquidy started and gave up three runs on four hits in 3-and two-thirds innings. He surrendered two home runs and an RBI double.
More prized young prospects were sent to Indianapolis yesterday, including pitchers Thomas Harrington, Wilbur Dotel, Antwone Kelly, and Brandon Bidois, along outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez. Catcher Omar Alfonzo, pitcher Khristian Curtis, and outfielder/infielder Mitch Jebb were assigned to minor league camp.
The Bucs play the Orioles today in Sarasota. Right-handed non-roster invitee Noah Davis gets the start for the Pirates.
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