USA Dominates Brazil in WBC Opener – Skubal vs. Great Britain Next

HOUSTON – Team USA opened its 2026 World Baseball Classic campaign with a dominant 15-5 victory over Brazil on Friday, signaling their intent to reclaim the title they last won in 2017. The Americans, heavily favored to win Pool B and the entire tournament, showcased their offensive firepower and pitching depth in a game that saw several key players make an immediate impact.

The game wasn’t without early challenges. Brazil hung tough for a while, but Team USA ultimately pulled away, highlighted by a stellar performance from captain Aaron Judge, who launched a first-inning home run on the very first pitch he saw. The two-run blast, traveling 405 feet at 106.5 mph, set the tone for a potent offensive display. Bobby Witt Jr. Led off the game with a single and stole second base to set the stage for Judge’s early heroics.

While the final score suggests a comfortable win, the Americans drew 17 walks, demonstrating their plate discipline and ability to wear down opposing pitching. The team is currently -110 to win the entire WBC, according to DraftKings, and a significant -800 favorite to top Pool B, which also includes Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico.

This year’s Team USA roster is widely considered the most loaded in the tournament’s history. The lineup features Judge, Cal Raleigh, and Witt Jr., while the pitching staff boasts reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal and National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes. Mason Miller anchors the bullpen, providing a formidable late-game presence.

Team USA vs. Great Britain: Skubal’s Sole Start

Saturday’s matchup against Great Britain presents another opportunity for Team USA to solidify their position in Pool B. The game, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Daikin Park in Houston, will feature a highly anticipated start from Tarik Skubal. Yet, this will be Skubal’s only appearance in the tournament.

Skubal, the ace of the Detroit Tigers, is slated to throw approximately 50-55 pitches before being replaced. This decision, stemming from a combination of factors including his looming free agency and a desire to prioritize his regular-season preparation, allows him to participate in the WBC while minimizing potential disruption to his MLB schedule. He will remain with the team in a supportive role should they advance.

“That’s where my focus is, trying to win a World Series for the city of Detroit, the team that drafted me in 2018,” Skubal told USA Today. “…The guys have been cool about it, but I signify publicly, it’s a little bit different perception. But I think they understand what it means for me to be here. Obviously, I want to be in the room, you know, and that’s cool for them to even accept me aside and be like, ‘It’s awesome that you’re here.’”

Miller’s Availability and Bullpen Strategy

The World Baseball Classic has specific rules governing pitcher usage, including pitch limits and mandatory rest periods. Mason Miller, Team USA’s closer, threw 23 pitches on Friday despite the game being largely decided, as he was warming up when the offense broke the game open in the ninth. According to tournament rules, he is eligible to pitch again on Saturday.

The regulations state that pitchers who throw 30 or more pitches require at least one day of rest before pitching again. No pitcher can pitch on consecutive days. Given that Sunday is an off-day for Team USA, Miller would not miss a game if he pitches Saturday. However, manager Mark DeRosa has indicated an intention to respect the players and their MLB teams, avoiding overexertion.

DeRosa may choose to hold Miller out of Saturday’s game, giving him two days of rest before Monday’s crucial matchup against Mexico. Relievers typically avoid back-to-back appearances during spring training, and rarely pitch three times in four days in March. Should Miller be unavailable, David Bednar would likely step into the closer role, with Brad Keller, Griffin Jax, and Garrett Whitlock also viable options.

Logan Webb (52 pitches Friday) and Michael Wacha (39 pitches Friday) are officially ineligible to pitch Saturday due to pitch count restrictions.

Looking Ahead: Prediction for USA vs. Great Britain

While Brazil presented some initial resistance, Great Britain poses a more significant challenge with MLB talent including Jazz Chisholm Jr. And Harry Ford. However, they are still considered underdogs on the mound. Team USA’s ability to consistently draw walks and wear down opposing pitchers is expected to be a key factor in Saturday’s game.

DraftKings currently lists the moneyline at -4000, requiring a $4,000 bet to win $100, underscoring the significant disparity in perceived strength between the two teams. Expect another convincing victory for Team USA, potentially triggering the mercy rule. Prediction: USA 14, Great Britain 2.