Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer and Brice Turang had three hits and four RBIs to lead the United States to a 15-5 win over Brazil in the World Baseball Classic opener for both teams Friday night.
There was one out in the first inning at Houston’s Daikin Park when three-time American League MVP Judge, the first player to commit to the team last April, connected off Bo Takahashi for the shot that also brought in Bobby Witt Jr., who reached on an infield single. Judge, the New York Yankees captain who is filling the same role for the Americans at the WBC, is playing in the international event for the first time.
“Bobby Witt’s up there and they are chanting ‘USA,'” Judge said in a postgame news conference. “My heart was pounding in the on-deck circle. It was an unreal atmosphere. And looking forward to more moments like that as the tournament goes on.
“We have a squad that is excited. We are jelling pretty early, which has been great. And it is time to take care of business.”
Lucas Ramirez — with his father, retired 12-time Major League Baseball All-Star Manny Ramirez, in attendance — homered twice for Brazil. He cut the lead to 2-1 with his leadoff homer, and his solo shot in the eighth got Brazil within 8-5.