The 2024 World Baseball Classic (WBC) got off to an exciting start with several thrilling games across different pools, showcasing emerging talents and established stars alike. The tournament’s opening day featured dominant performances, historic moments, and intense matchups that set the tone for the weeks ahead.
**United States vs. Brazil: A Powerful Start for the U.S.**
In Houston, the United States opened its WBC campaign with a commanding 15-5 victory over Brazil. Aaron Judge, one of the biggest names on Team USA and the first player to commit to the squad back in April, made an immediate impact by hitting a two-run homer early in the game off Brazilian pitcher Bo Takahashi. Judge’s home run came with one out and a runner on base in the first inning, giving the U.S. an early 2-0 lead and setting the tone for a high-scoring affair.
Brice Turang also starred for the Americans, driving in four runs on three hits, including a critical bases-clearing double in the fifth inning that extended the lead to 7-1. The U.S. team’s offense was relentless, drawing an impressive 17 walks and forcing Brazil to throw 221 pitches in a display of patience and discipline at the plate.
Brazil, making only their second appearance in the WBC and their first since 2013, struggled to contain the American offense but showcased some moments of promise. Lucas Ramirez, son of 12-time All-Star Manny Ramirez who was in attendance, hit two home runs for Brazil. His leadoff homer in the first inning cut the U.S. lead to 2-1, and a solo shot in the eighth inning narrowed the gap to 8-5. At just 20 years and 49 days old, Ramirez became the youngest player in WBC history to have a multi-homer game.
Another notable moment for Brazil came from 17-year-old Joseph Contreras, the youngest player in the tournament this year and son of former MLB pitcher José Contreras. Contreras impressed by inducing a bases-loaded double play off Aaron Judge in the second inning, providing a rare defensive highlight for Brazil amid a tough night.
Despite Brazil’s offensive sparks—including an RBI single by Lucas Rojo and a two-run home run by Victor Mascai in the seventh inning—the U.S. bullpen and offense proved too strong. Bryce Harper contributed an RBI single in the ninth as the Americans exploded for seven more runs to seal the rout. The victory launched the U.S. confidently into their next WBC game against Britain, while Brazil prepared to face Italy.
**Puerto Rico Edges Colombia in a Group A Thriller**
In San Juan, Puerto Rico secured a 5-2 victory over Colombia in their Group A opener at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. The game was tightly contested until the fifth inning when Puerto Rico’s offense came alive, scoring five runs on five hits, including an RBI double from Willi Castro that drove in a key run.
Right-hander Seth Lugo was the standout on the mound for Puerto Rico, pitching four-plus innings while allowing just three hits, striking out three, and walking two. Colombia’s offense, led by Harold Ramírez who collected three of the team’s six hits, fought hard but couldn’t overcome Puerto Rico’s surge.
Colombia threatened late in the game, loading the bases with two outs in the eighth inning, but Fernando Cruz shut down the rally by retiring pinch-hitter Jordan Diaz on a flyball. Edwin Díaz then closed out the game with a dominant ninth inning, striking out the side after allowing a pinch-hit single.
Colombia’s starter Jose Quintana pitched three hitless innings to begin the game, showing flashes of brilliance despite the loss. Both teams were set to play again the following day, with Puerto Rico facing Panama and Colombia taking on Canada.
**Mexico Breaks Open Game Against Britain with Late-Inning Power**
At Houston’s Daikin Park, Mexico secured an 8-1 victory over Britain in a Pool B contest, thanks to a pivotal three-run homer by Jonathan Aranda in the eighth inning. The game was tied 1-1 going into the late innings after solo home runs from Mexico’s Ignacio Alvarez Jr. and Britain’s Harry Ford.
Aranda’s dramatic blast came after Britain’s pitcher Gary Gill Hill struck out the first two batters in the eighth but then issued back-to-back walks. Aranda capitalized on a low fast