SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Unlike typical pre-season contests, athletes remained in their attire, refraining from exiting the dugout. Players from Team USA persisted until the conclusion of their dominating 15-1 scrimmage victory against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, gearing up for the group stage of the World Baseball Classic.
This is precisely the atmosphere manager Mark DeRosa aimed to cultivate.
“I addressed [Aaron] Judge and the entire coaching staff, stating, ‘This possesses a distinct ambiance compared to 2023,’” DeRosa commented later. “`Indeed it did. Not one individual departed.`”
A promising beginning unfolded for Team USA, who amassed 19 base hits, featuring homers from Alex Bregman and Roman Anthony. Even though they had only been united as a squad for a mere few days, the camaraderie within the clubhouse was palpably robust. A shared objective is propelling this dynamic, especially following the U.S.’s second-place finish to Japan in the 2023 WBC.
“It seems to me there’s an undeniable enthusiasm, perceptible the instant one steps into the locker room,” Bregman remarked. “`The degree of concentration has reached an unprecedented peak.`”
Opening pitcher Paul Skenes delivered three effective frames, conceding a solitary run while striking out four batters. His scheduled appearances include the group stage and subsequently the semi-final round, should Team USA progress. Logan Webb, a Giants hurler, will take the mound for the initial game on Friday, followed by the quarter-finals, and Mets’ starting arm Nolan McLean is set for the group stage and then the championship.
The identity of the pitcher might prove inconsequential if their formidable batting order performs as dominantly as it did on Tuesday. Skenes required a reminder regarding the multitude of runs his colleagues had tallied in his support.
“What was the total?” he inquired. “`Fifteen? Indeed, that’s excellent. We should maintain this momentum. … While it’s merely a pre-season exhibition, the experience remains extraordinary. Consequently, anticipation will build once we reach Houston for the genuine competition.`”
Skenes received an inquiry about whether he observed his fellow players remaining in their uniforms at the conclusion of the match.
“Every individual had it on,” Skenes remarked concerning the Team USA uniform. “`It was quite remarkable to witness. Players not actively pitching typically don their jackets, yet everyone wore their game top.`”
DeRosa further stated: “Our aim was to foster an atmosphere from which these individuals would be reluctant to depart… One observes Bregman conversing with Anthony along the bench, Skubal and Skenes positioned at the dugout’s highest point. Also, Judge and Raleigh. It’s truly splendid.`”
Despite Team USA convening initially on Monday, the cohesion DeRosa seeks has been forming over several months. Collective messages exchanged among players, observing the recently concluded Olympic Games, and including two military personnel (Skenes and Griffin Jax) on the squad have collectively culminated in this display of national devotion. DeRosa enhanced this further by extending an invitation to multi-gold medalist Olympian Michael Phelps to address the squad during their Monday evening meal.
Phelps’ communication was straightforward. “`Achieving second place will be insufficient,” DeRosa recounted.`
Team USA is scheduled to participate in its second and concluding scrimmage on Wednesday versus the Colorado Rockies prior to their departure for Houston and their inaugural WBC match against Brazil.
“Everyone is driven,” Bregman stated. “`Arriving prepared for rivalry.`”