After an exhibition of absolute dominance against Brazil, where the Mexican fans transformed the stadium into a pressure cooker, Mexico is preparing for the most important clash of its World Baseball Classic calendar: the clash against the powerful United States team.
The pre-game atmosphere could not be more vibrant. The 16-0 victory over the Brazilian team, sealed by the “knockout” route after a home run by Julian Ornelas, served as the perfect prelude to what is expected to be a full house on Monday night.
Mexico’s winning mentality in the World Baseball Classic
Despite the respect imposed by the American roster, in the Mexican locker room the slogan is clear: there is no room for fear. Manager Benji Gil already envisions what it would mean for the country to reach maximum glory.
I can see myself in the stadium lifting the trophy, and just watching all our players, coaches and staff celebrating with their families, while red and green confetti falls
For Gil, the goal is ambitious but tangible: to become the first team in Mexican sports history to win an international championship of this magnitude.
The duel between Mexico and the United States is heating up for the World Baseball Classic
The strategic duel has already begun off the diamond. Mark DeRosa, manager of the United States, lit the fuse by declaring that he has the best 30 players in the world and that “it really doesn’t matter who Mexico puts as a starter”.
In response, Gil replied calmly but firmly, confirming the veteran Manny Barreda (37 years old) to face the stellar Paul Skenes, winner of the Cy Young.
“Do you want me to get into trouble here?” Gil joked about DeRosa’s words. “But yes, he’s right. It doesn’t matter who the starter is for us. And I can say the same about them… It’s an American pitcher against a Mexican pitcher. One is going to play against the other.”
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