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Aaron Judge whacks a two-run homer for Team USA (0:20)
Aaron Judge hits a two-run home run to give Team USA a 2-0 lead vs. Mexico. (0:20)
Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer, and Roman Anthony added a three-run blast in a big third inning to lead the United States to a 5-3 win over Mexico in the World Baseball Classic at Houston's Daikin Park on Monday night.
The U.S. improved to 3-0 and will meet Italy (2-0) on Tuesday night, seeking to secure a spot in the quarterfinals in Houston this weekend.
Jarren Duran homered twice for Mexico (2-1), which will face Italy on Wednesday night in the last game of Group B play.
Anthony and Duran are teammates on the Boston Red Sox.
"We've already texted a little bit. He had a great night. He looks great," Anthony said.
The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 41,628 that was decidedly pro-Mexico.
"I think, for me at least, it's the loudest game I've been a part of," Anthony said. "Just amazing to get baseball like that this early in the year. And always great when you win. So, the vibes are great."
Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes gave up one hit and struck out seven in four innings as the U.S. beat Mexico at the WBC for the first time since 2006. The Americans lost 11-5 to Mexico in 2023.
"I think I gave up one hit, but it didn't matter because Judge threw him out at third. One of the best throws I've seen," Skenes said. "It was awesome. Great atmosphere."
The U.S. led by three entering the eighth inning before Duran took Matthew Boyd deep for his second homer. Boyd then hit Randy Arozarena on the arm with a pitch before striking out Jonathan Aranda.
Griffin Jax took over and induced a double-play grounder from Alejandro Kirk to end the inning.
Bryce Harper singled on a ball that hit reliever Jesus Cruz on the leg with no outs in the third inning. Judge followed with his drive to right field to put the Americans up 2-0 and give him two home runs in the tournament.
Kyle Schwarber singled, and Cal Raleigh was hit by a pitch with one out before Anthony's homer to right-center pushed the lead to 5-0.
Duran homered for a second straight game, hitting a solo shot off Boyd that cut the lead to 5-1 with one out in the sixth. There were two on and two outs when Joey Meneses singled in a run to make it 5-2.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
