Mexico - USA summary online: stats, scores and highlights | 2024 Premier12 Group A highlights
Team USA head to Japan as Mexico stunned 12-2
Team USA Tokyo-bound!
Both teams entered this final Group A match with everything on the line: a chance to move forward to the Tokyo Super Round. For Mexico, hopes turned out to be fragile. But for the United States, this is yet another step toward proving their prowess on the global stage. The Americans put on a clinic, routing Mexico 12-2 and sending shockwaves across the tournament.
Rich Hill, the veteran southpaw for the USA, set the tone early, showing his decades of pitching mastery. The first inning hinted at potential drama: Mexico strikes first when a rare defensive lapse from Termarr Johnson allows Andres Álvarez to reach, leading to a chaotic sequence that ends with Mexico taking a 1-0 lead. The crowd roars, sensing perhaps a glimmer of the unpredictable. But Hill bears down, finding his rhythm, and extinguishes the early Mexican fire with a beautiful strikeout of Gaitán to end the threat.
The American bats waste no time. Termarr Johnson, the heartbeat of this USA lineup, stepped in during the bottom of the first and crushed a two-run homer to right center. The ball left the stadium faster than a summer storm rolling in, silencing the crowd and giving the USA a lead they never relinquished.
Hill continued to baffle Mexico's hitters with a mix of pinpoint fastballs and wicked curveballs, the American offense goes to work. Ryan Ward delivers not one, but two solo homers, each one a majestic arc that seems to stretch across the Guadalajara night sky. Carson Williams adds his own flair with a blistering double into the left field corner, putting even more pressure on Mexico’s beleaguered bullpen.
Mexico’s pitching woes continue to compound. Luis Miranda entered the game hoping to keep his team afloat, but found himself unable to contain the American lineup. Walks, wild pitches, and defensive miscues mount, and Mike Scioscia’s squad takes full advantage. Chandler Simpson, a catalyst at the top of the order, draws a walk to force in a run, and Matt Shaw’s triple clears the bases, bringing the USA’s tally to 12 runs by the sixth inning. Every inning feels like another dagger, every pitch from the Mexican mound another moment of mounting frustration.
For Mexico, the moment of pride comes in the seventh inning when Alan Trejo steps up. Down to their final outs, Trejo crushes a hanging slider from Dan Altavilla deep to right-center, momentarily reviving hope with a solo homer. The crowd, weary but loyal, erupts one last time. But it is only a fleeting reprieve. Altavilla regroups and strikes out Juan Pérez to end the game, sealing Mexico’s fate.
Team USA’s victory is more than just a statistical drubbing; this is a glimpse of what talent this American lineup posseses. They have a feeling that they may be warming into this tournament and the best is yet to come.
For Mexico, the end of their Premier12 run stings deeply. This is the first time ever they have failed to advance past the group stage, a reality that sits heavily on the shoulders of Manager Benjamin Gil and his squad. They battled throughout this tournament, earning key wins and showing flashes of brilliance, but tonight, they simply run into a juggernaut.
As Group A concludes, the United States now turns its sights to Tokyo, where even greater challenges await. This victory is a statement, a reminder that they can dominate any team when firing on all cylinders. For Mexico, the road to redemption begins now, as they reflect on what might have been and work to rise again.
GOODBYE!!!
That is going to do it for our live coverage of Mexico vs USA in the 2024 Premier12 GroupA finale. We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did!
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No Mexico in Japan? Unthinkable!
This is the first time EVER that Mexico have not made it out of the group stage in the Premier12's history.
Group A is set, Venezuela and the USA get the two berths in the Tokyo Dome
USA wins!!!
That was a nearly perfect game by the USA and they are now on their way to Tokyo!
K
Juan Pérez up now and he gets all twisted up by a nasty breaking ball, going down swinging on three deliveries. The USA wins!
Alan Trejo Home Run! Mexico scores!
Alan Trejo up now representing the final out for Mexico. He takes three balls before Altavilla claws back two strikes. Full count.
They payoff delivery is lifted to right center! It drifts back and it is gone! Mexico stay alive for at least another hitter!
ꓘ
Moore works a 1-2 count, chasing two backdoor sliders before fouling one back. Altavilla delivers a middle-middle fastball that catches him looking at strike three. Two down.
Pinch hitter
Logan Moore will pinch hit for Tres Barrera.
Sanchez works a 2-2 count before chopping one to short for Williams. The throw to first gets the first out.
Bottom 7th
Asael Sanchez will lead things off and Mexico are down to their last three runs. If they don't score at least two, then this game, and their Premier12 campaign, will end.
Pitching change
Mike Scioscia calls on Dan Altavilla to slam the door shut on Mexico here.
6-4 play
Elko works the count to 1-1 before chopping a slow roller to short. The flip to second ends the inning.
Headed to the bottom of the seventh, the USA leads 12-1.
Pinch hitter
Tim Elko will pinch hit for Ryan Ward
K
Luke Ritter will face the new pitcher with men on first and second and one out. He works the count to 1-2 before going down swinging at a beautiful cutter elevated in the zone. Two down.
Pitching change
Benji Gil stays active with that bullpen, bringing in Edwin Fierro to take over on the mound.
walk
Matt Shaw up now and he draws a walk on four pitches.
Infield hit
Chandler Simpson the hitter now. Mexico made a pitching change between innings and brought on Jeff Ibarra which I did not notice until now. Simpson chops a high bouncer to short but with his speed, he beats the throw easily. Infield hit.
Top 7th
Justin Crawford leads things off for the USA in the seventh and he lifts the first pitch into right center. Juan Pérez is on his horse and runs a long way to make a diving catch! One down.
F8 out
CJ Hinojosa falls behind in the count 0-2 before lifting one to left center field. It hangs up there long enough for Crawford to get under it for the out.
Pinch hitter
CJ Hinojosa will hit for Phillip Evans.
Ground Rule Double
Chris Carter the hitter now and he rips a long one into the left field corner. It hops over the wall for another ground rule double.
4-3 play
Jose Rojas pokes a roller to second base and Johnson goes to first. Two outs.
Bottom 6th
Andres Álvarez will lead off and he chops one to second. The throw to first and it is one away.
Pitching change
The USA will call on Anthony Gose to take over on the mound.
K
Chris Okey up now with a man on third and two down. He works the count to 1-2 before going down swinging at strike three. Barrera drops the pitch so will have to get the out the hard way, but the USA tag on one more and lead now 12-1 after six.
4-3 play
Termarr Johnson the hitter now and he works a 2-1 count before grounding one on the right side. Álvarez gets to it and makes the play to first for the second out. Williams advances to third. Two away.
F8 out
Colby Thomas the hitter and he lifts one to center field for Juan Pérez. One away. Williams stays put.
Double
Carson Williams up now and he lines a bullet into left field for a double! That made it to the wall in the corner.
Top 6th
Ryan Ward leads off and he cranks a shot a country mile! That just disappears into the night sky and the man who led off the fifth with a home run, now leads off the sixth inning with a solo home run!
Pitching change
Mexico call on Jake Thompson to keep the score close
K
Alonso Gaitán up now and he works the count to 2-2 before a wicked breaking ball gets him swinging at strike three.
F7 out
Juan Pérez the hitter now and Mexico have runners on second and third with one out. This is their best opportunity since the first inning to put runs on the board.
Pérez works the count to 1-2 before he lifts a fly ball to shallow left field. Thomas gets under it and puts it away. Runners have no chance to tag. Two down.
Ground Rule Double
Alan Trejo up now and he drills a shot to center field over Crawford's glove and it bounces over the field for a ground rule double!
ꓘ
Tres Barrera the hitter now and he works the count to 2-2 before watching a called third strike that paints the outside edge.
Bottom 5th
Asael Sanchez will lead things off for Mexico and they are in danger of being run-ruled here. They need to get something on the board if they want to stay alive.
Menendez has trouble finding the strike zone and surrenders the leadoff walk on four pitches.
F9 out
Luke Ritter up now and skies a pop fly to right field. Gaitán makes the catch to end the inning but Mexico are hanging by a thread! The USA have 11 unanswered runs and lead 11-1 in the fifth.
Triple! USA scores!
Matt Shaw will face the new pitcher and he works the count full before the payoff from Reyes is lined into left center! It makes it into the gap and goes to the wall! The runners were going and they all score! Shaw is in with a triple!
Pitching change
Benji Gil is getting desperate here and needs this to be shut down. He calls for Gerardo Reyes.
USA score!
Chandler Simpson the hitter now with bases loaded and two outs. He works the count full before Rodriguez's payoff delivery misses outside for ball four and Mexico walks in a run!
Infield hit
We resume and Crawford taps the next delivery to the left side of the mound. A high chopper, there was no real play for Trejo. Infield hit and the bases are loaded.
Justin Crawford up now and the first pitch from Rodriguez bounces into Barrera's neck! He goes down but seems to be ok, he is up and walking around. As a former catcher myself, I can tell you that is painful!
F9 out
Chris Okey the hitter now and he works a 1-2 count before lifting a fly ball to shallow right. It is taken by Gaitán and the runners are held. Two down.
single to center
Termarr Johnson will face the new pitcher with a runner on first and one away. He jumps on the first pitch and delivers a shot to center for a single. Williams moves up to second.
Pitching change
Benji Gil comes out to the mound and calls for Luis Rodríguez to take over on the mound.
F7 out
Colby Thomas the hitter now and he rips a line drive to left but right at Asael Sanchez for out number one.
single to left
Carson Williams jumps on the first pitch and lines a single into left field. This USA team is locked in right now.
Top 5th
Ryan Ward will lead things off for the USA in the fifth. He takes a ball before lining a laser to right field for a leadoff home run! There was no doubt about that at all! That was out of here in a flash!
F8 out
Phillip Evans the hitter now and he hits one a long way but not quite long enough! Out to deep center field and Justin Crawford gets under it just in front of the warning track to end the inning.
K
Chris Carter will face the new pitcher and he works the count to 1-2 before a nasty slider gets Carter swinging for out number two.
Pitching change
Mike Scioscia strides out to the mound and takes the ball from Hill after a wonderful start. That aging arm needs to be protected and his 50 pitches is just about as far as he can be pushed. Antonio Menendez takes over on the mound for the USA.
Bottom 4th
Jose Rojas leads off for Mexico and they really need to answer back here in a big way. And they are definitely a team capable of big innings.
Rojas lifts a pop fly high in the air on the right side but Termarr Johnson gets under it for out number one.
K
Luke Ritter up now and the USA have two runners in scoring position. Mexico really need to focus on the man at the plate. Stankiewicz works the count to 2-2 before throwing a beautiful slider to get Ritter swinging at strike three to end the inning. Boy did Mexico need that!
The USA up the ante and stretch their lead to 6-1 in the middle of four.
Double steal
Matt Shaw will face the new pitcher with one out and men on first and second. On three pitches he goes down swinging but on strike three, both runners take off and get the double steal.
Pitching change
Benji Gil can wait no longer and makes the change. Teddy Stankiewicz is tapped to take over on the mound.
USA scores!
Chandler Simpson up now and the USA have two on and one out. He jumps on the first pitch and he rips one into center for a single. The throw home is not in time and Okey scores! The USA now up 6-1
single to right
Justin Crawford the hitter now and he hits a shot to right field for a single. Okey advances 90 feet on the play.
USA score!
Okey stays tough in there and works the count full. Bañuelos delivers a low fastball and Okey rips it to short. Trejo makes a great diving stab but in the transfer, the ball is bobbled and everyone is safe! Another fielding error leads to a run!
Throwing error!
Chris Okey up to the plate now and with the count 1-1, Bañuelos picks over to first. The ball is outside the reach of Jose Rojas and the ball gets down into right field! Johnson takes second and even third! He probably had time to take home as well but is held up there! Two bases on the throwing error!
single to center
Termarr Johnson the hitter now and he works the count full before the payoff delivery from Bañuelos is nubbed out into right center field for a single. Great at-bat!
Top 4th
Colby Thomas will lead things off for the USA in the fourth and he works a full count before Bañuelos' payoff delivery is a high fastball that is called strike three. Thomas didn't like that! And you know what? He may be right. That looked high. ꓘ
K
Andres Álvarez up now and he goes down on three pitches! Rich Hill just went after him and got the K!
K
Alonso Gaitán the hitter now and he goes down swinging on high heat from Hill. Two down.
Bottom 3rd
Juan Pérez leads things off for Mexico and taps a soft bouncer toward the mound. Rich Hill bare hands it and goes to first for out number one.
F8 out
Carson Williams the hitter now with two outs and a runner on first. He works the count to 2-2 and he lifts a fly ball to right center field but Juan Pérez is right there to end the inning.
The USA tack on two more and lead 4-1 in the middle of three.
USA score!
Ryan Ward the hitter now and the USA knocking on the door with one out and men on the corners. Bañuelos misses with three pitches before forcing the ground ball to third. Evans goes to second and there is no chance to get the double. Simpson scores from third on the play and it is two away.
Pitching change
Benji Gil wastes no time, and that will do it for Miranda. He calls for lefty Manny Bañuelos to take over on the mound.
walk
Miranda catches the inside corner to run the count on Ritter full. The payoff delivery is fouled back. We will do it again.
The next one misses high and Ritter draws the walk.
stolen base
Luke Ritter up now and he works the count to 2-1 before Simpson swipes third on the next pitch. It was a ball and the count is 3-1
6-3 play
Shaw takes another ball and it is 2-0. The delivery from Miranda is fouled back and the count moves to 2-1.
Miranda misses inside for the 3-1 delivery before Shaw fouls one back and the count is full.
The payoff pitch is chopped to Trejo at short. The throw to first is in time and it is one down.
stolen base
Matt Shaw the hitter and everyone knows that Simpson is going on the pitch. It is a ball high and the throw isn't even close.
single to center
Chandler Simpson up now and he works a 3-1 count before lining one into left center for a single.
Top 3rd
Justin Crawford leads off for the USA in the third and he goes oppo taco! A line drive just out of reach of left fielder Asael Sanchez's glove to clear the wall for a lead off home run!
6-4-3 double play
Alan Trejo grounds the first pitch to short. The flip to second for one and on to first to end the inning. A 6-4-3 double play.
K
Tres Barrera the hitter now and he falls behind 0-2 fouling three pitches off. The fourth pitch blows past Barrera for strike three.
Bottom 2nd
Asael Sanchez will lead things off for Mexico and he rips the second pitch down the line into left field for a leadoff single.
ꓘ
Chris Okey up now and he works the count full before the payoff delivery from Miranda is a peach, dotting the corner for a called strike three.
But the USA jumps out in front with a two run homer from Termarr Johnson.
Termarr Johnson Home Run! USA score!
Termarr Johnson up now with two outs and one baserunner on. He works the count to 2-1 before blasting a shot to right center! That is way way back and it is out of here! That flew so far it needed a stewardess! The USA take the lead 2-1!
single to right
Colby Thomas jumps on the first pitch and poked it into right field for a two out single.
F5 out
Carson Williams the hitter now and the count runs to 2-2 before he lifts one high into the air on the left side. Evans gets under it and two are gone.
Top 2nd
Ryan Ward will lead things off for the USA in the second and he gets things underway by watching a called strike.
A ball and then three fouls brings it to 1-2.
Miranda delivers a ball to even the count 2-2. A beautiful curveball from Miranda gets Ward swinging for strike three.
K
Phillip Evans the hitter now with a runner on first and two outs. He gets behind 0-2 before fouling two off. The next pitch from Hill is high heat that blows past Evans for strike three.
But Mexico off to a great start, getting on the board and leading 1-0 after one.
K
Chris Carter up for Mexico now and Rich Hill digs in and puts three fastballs past him for out number two.
Mexico scores!!!
The count on Rojas runs full and the payoff delivery from Hill is tapped back to the mound. Rich Hill throws it to first and the ball hits Rojas! Everyone is safe and as the ball squirts into right field, Álvarez scores on the play.
Balk
Jose Rojas the batter and Hill picks off Álvarez easily but WAIT! The umpire calls balk on Hill! That is crazy! Álvarez gets second base on the play.
infield hit
Andres Álvarez up to the plate now and he works the count to 1-2, fouling off four pitches. Hill is attacking the zone.
He taps a grounder up the middle, bobbled by Termarr Johnson for an infield hit.
ꓘ
Gaitán takes two balls before fouling one back. The 2-1 delivery misses inside and the count runs to 3-1.
Hill hits the zone with a perfect strike and the count is full.
The payoff delivery is fouled back as is the next one, and the one after that. This is a strong at-bat from Gaitán. The eighth delivery is a beauty of a curve ball that jelly-legs the Mexican for a called strike three.
Bottom 1st
Rich Hill takes the mound for the USA and he will face Alonso Gaitán at the top of the Mexican order.
F9 out
Luke Ritter jumps on the first delivery and lifts it into right field. Alonso Gaitán gets under it and puts it away for a 1-2-3 inning for Mexico.
4-3 play
Matt Shaw the hitter now and he loops a blooper of a pop up to second. It falls in front of Alvarez and he makes the throw in a bang-bang play gets the second out.
Top 1st
Chandler Simpson leads things off and he takes a first pitch strike before grounding one to second base. Andres Álvarez goes to first and we have one away.
PLAY BALL!
Mexico are on the field, Luis Miranda is on the mound. The fans are in on their feet and the umpires are ready as Chandler Simpson will lead off for the USA.
Let's PLAY BALL!!!
ALMOST THERE!
Go get the chips and the drinks. Walk the dog and take out the trash. We are almost ready for the first pitch and you won't want to miss it.
For Mexico, manager Benjamín Gil relies on a mix of MLB experience and international flair. Pitcher Luis Miranda is expected to bring his precision to the mound, while the squad's offensive potential remains formidable. Mexico’s recent form includes a victory against Venezuela, fueled by a balanced attack, but consistency remains the key challenge. Facing the United States means navigating a potent lineup that can punish mistakes with its mix of young prospects and seasoned players.
Team USA's lineup is built around speed and adaptability, showcased by Chandler Simpson's consistent performances at the plate. Simpson, a sparkplug for the Americans, has recorded at least one hit in each game of the tournament so far, with standout displays against Panama and the Netherlands. Alongside Simpson, fellow base thieves like Matt Shaw and Carson Williams keep opponents on their toes, making any defensive lapse potentially costly.
LINEUPS
The Home Team
Mexico Batting Order
1. Alonso Gaitán RF
2. Andres Álvarez 2B
3. Jose Rojas 1B
4. Chris Carter DH
5. Phillip Evans 3B
6. Asael Sanchez LF
7. Tres Barreras C
8. Alan Trejo SS
9. Juan Pérez CF
Manager: Benjamin Gil
The Visitors
USA Batting Order
1. Chandler Simpson RF
2. Matt Shaw 3B
3. Luke Ritter 1B
4. Ryan Ward DH
5. Carson Williams SS
6. Colby Thomas LF
7. Termarr Johnson 2B
8. Chris Okey C
9. Justin Crawford CF
Manager: Mike Scioscia
Team USA’s roster is dotted with talent recognized by MLB scouts, including players like Matt Shaw and Carson Williams, who are among the top-ranked prospects. This mix of emerging stars and seasoned veterans aims to cement their international standing while carrying the weight of past rivalries against Mexico. Their strategy will likely focus on aggressive base running and exploiting gaps with a disciplined offensive approach.
In their last Premier12 meeting in 2019, Mexico defeated Team USA twice, including in the bronze medal match. Revenge will be on the Americans' minds, especially after their dominant performance against Panama earlier this week, where their top order racked up nine hits and the bullpen proved solid. The stakes today extend beyond pride, as progression to the knockout rounds hangs in the balance.
Mexico’s ambitions are rooted in their previous Premier12 success, aiming to build on the bronze medal from 2019. With an eager fanbase behind them and a deep roster, this game against the Americans is a pivotal moment. Star players from both the domestic league and those with MLB credentials will look to seize their opportunity to shine on the international stage.
The Estadio Panamericano atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric, adding an extra layer of intensity to every pitch and swing. For baseball fans, it is a night to watch strategy, skill, and passion unfold in one of the sport’s most exciting international tournaments. As the clock ticks towards first pitch, all eyes remain fixed on this showdown that could define both teams’ Premier12 campaigns.
STARTING PITCHERS CAREER STATS
MEXICO
Luis MirandaRHP
53 - 42
4.64 ERA
618 K
679.0 IP
1.38 WHIP
USA
Rich Hill LHP
90 - 74
4.01 ERA
1428 K
1409.0 IP
1.26 WHIP
PITCHING
Mexico’s pitching, with a collective 5.25 ERA, is a concern as they turn to Luis Miranda, who struggled against Venezuela in his first start, yielding four runs on five hits in just over two innings. The Americans, meanwhile, counter with a pitching staff that leads Group A, sporting a team ERA of 2.65. Their arms have combined for 37 strikeouts against a mere seven walks over 34 innings. Manager Mike Scioscia will entrust veteran left-hander Rich Hill to take the mound once again. Hill, a 20-year MLB journeyman known for his guile and curveball, delivered three scoreless innings against Puerto Rico, allowing only two hits and two walks.
MEXICO: Luis Miranda RHP
For Mexico, Luis Miranda is a talented but inconsistent right-hander with flashes of brilliance and bouts of struggle. His opening-round start against Venezuela didn’t go as planned, and he’ll be aiming for redemption on Thursday night. Miranda’s strength lies in his fastball-slider combination, a pairing that can dominate when he locates his pitches effectively. For Mexico, the key will be getting early outs and avoiding the long innings that have plagued their bullpen. Manager Benjamin Gil knows that for his team to advance, Miranda must be steady and composed, setting the tone against a potent American lineup.
With Mexico’s hopes resting partly on Miranda’s shoulders, there’s added pressure. The stakes are clear: keep the game close, and Mexico’s bats - capable of producing fireworks late, as Perez demonstrated - can seize the moment. Miranda’s ability to pitch through trouble and limit big innings will dictate how Mexico fares against their northern rivals.
USA: Rich Hill LHP
The U.S. turns to Rich Hill, whose experience is unmatched in this tournament. Hill, a southpaw who has seen it all in his lengthy career, relies on pinpoint control, an array of breaking balls, and a veteran’s poise. Against Puerto Rico, he was precise and effective, needing only three innings to remind everyone why he’s a trusted arm for manager Mike Scioscia.
Hill thrives on keeping hitters off-balance. His curveball, a signature offering, has baffled even MLB’s best over the years. His challenge against Mexico’s lineup will be containing aggressive hitters like Gaitan and Rojas while avoiding mistakes that could lead to game-changing homers. Hill isn’t the fireballer he once was, but he’s cunning and fiercely competitive. With the U.S. lineup providing strong run support, Hill’s job is to quiet Mexico’s bats long enough to hand the game over to a solid bullpen. If he can mix his pitches and change speeds effectively, the U.S. will be well-positioned to move forward.
WELCOME!!!
Welcome to the Diario AS USA live commentary of the final game of Group A for Mexico and the USA with a place in the Super Round at stake. Both teams are fighting for their lives in the Estadio Panamericano de Guadalajara. First pitch at 9 pm ET.
Mexico and the USA are ready to clash in a high-stakes showdown that will determine who moves forward in the WBSC Premier12 2024. With both teams tied at 2-2 in Group A, the tension is palpable as the first pitch nears at 8pm local time, 9pm Eastern. The stakes couldn’t be higher - only one team will keep its hopes of reaching Tokyo alive.
As baseball fans know, there’s no shortage of drama when these two nations meet. In the most recent WBSC Premier12 tournaments, each side has seen both triumph and heartbreak, and their current runs are no different. Team USA comes into this contest after dominating performances over the Netherlands (12-2) and Panama (9-3), tempered by hard-fought losses to Puerto Rico (0-1) and Venezuela (3-5). Mexico’s journey has been equally tumultuous: after an 8-6 win over the Netherlands that featured Juan Perez’s eighth-inning grand slam heroics, they endured losses to Venezuela (4-8) and Panama (2-3), but managed a gritty 7-5 victory against Puerto Rico. The road to this matchup hasn’t been easy, and neither team will go down without a fight.
Mexico’s bats have shown both power and persistence, with a team slash line of .231/.342/.410 over four games. Alonso Gaitan has been the offensive sparkplug, leading with ten hits, five runs, and four RBIs. Jose Rojas has also stepped up, driving in six runs. Yet, their pitching remains a point of concern, holding a team ERA of 5.25. In a game of this magnitude, every pitch matters, and Manager Benjamin Gil knows his squad must be sharp from the mound.
The U.S. squad, under the guidance of manager Mike Scioscia, counters with one of the best pitching staffs in Group A. Their combined ERA of 2.65 is a testament to their discipline and strength, with 37 strikeouts and just seven walks in 34 innings. At the plate, the Americans are hitting .283/.382/.465, scoring 24 runs on 36 hits. Speed has also been their calling card; players like Chandler Simpson, Matt Shaw, and Carson Williams are leading the tournament in stolen bases. Simpson, in particular, has been consistent, picking up hits in every game so far and coming off a 4-for-5 showing against Panama.
For Mexico and the USA, history casts a long shadow over this matchup. In WBSC Premier12 play, the two teams have split their meetings, with Mexico taking a bronze medal win over the U.S. in 2019 and the Americans sweeping both encounters in 2015. Their last meeting in 2023’s World Baseball Classic saw Mexico prevail 11-5, setting the stage for tonight’s potential fireworks. While the past can provide context, the future hangs in the balance for both squads.
Team USA’s lineup features players who have tasted MLB success and promising talent climbing the ranks. The likes of Matt Shaw and Justin Crawford, each with their own MVP accolades, represent a blend of experience and youthful vigor. Rich Hill, the seasoned veteran, adds another layer of intrigue, bringing his decades of professional experience to the mound for tonight’s game. For Mexico, the weight of national pride and a fervent home crowd will energize every swing, every throw, and every dive in the dirt.
This game won’t just be about skill - it’s about heart, about seizing a chance at glory when the world is watching. Fans can expect passion, intensity, and moments that will linger in memory long after the dust settles on the diamond. As the clock ticks down to the first pitch, it’s clear: tonight, in Guadalajara, nothing less than everything is on the line.
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