A Kyle Schwarber homer and a five-run fifth inning on Saturday helped the US overpower Great Britain 9-1 in the World Baseball Classic, but not before an early British lead tested US nerves.
On the game’s very first pitch, Britain’s Nate Eaton struck a leadoff home run off two-time reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
A shellshocked Houston crowd booed as Eaton donned a military redcoat and a Beefeater hat amid wild celebrations in the dugout.
Photo: AP
It was only baseball minnow Britain’s fifth home run in the history of the Classic, the sport’s premier international competition.
US slugger Will Smith was prevented a homer in reply in the second inning as Trayce Thompson leapt high above the right field fence for a stunning outstretched catch.
The unlikely British lead lasted all the way until the fifth inning, before Ernie Clement scored from third base on a wild pitch from newly introduced pitcher Andre Scrubb.
Phillies slugger Schwarber then immediately crushed a two-run homer to give the US a 3-1 lead and settle any nerves about a potentially seismic upset.
Gunnar Henderson drove a double to score Alex Bregman and Bryce Harper, making it 5-1, still in the fifth inning.
With bases loaded and no outs in the sixth, the US added three more runs and then made it 9-1 in the seventh inning. Chasing their first title since 2017, the US has assembled a “dream team” for the 20-team tournament, led by New York Yankees star Aaron Judge.
The US on Friday launched their campaign with a 15-5 victory over Brazil, while Britain lost their opening game 8-2 to Mexico.
Games are spread across Japan, Puerto Rico and the mainland US, with the semi-finals and final to be played in Miami.
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