USA’s quest to repeat begins vs. Great Britain (9 p.m. ET, FOX)
PHOENIX — Two international locations at parallel ends of the worldwide baseball spectrum will collide Saturday evening because the United States, the reigning World Baseball Classic champions, welcomes Great Britain to the American Southwest.
But for all of the bravado and pageantry that comes alongside profitable, for the gamers, it’s in the end about what’s written throughout the chest of their uniform.
“First, it was just a really cool opportunity to play some international baseball,” Britain crew captain Daniel Cooper stated. “Then the more you get to know these guys, get to find out what we mean for the country back at home where my family’s from, and to build baseball in a country it wasn’t really known for, it’s been an amazing, amazing journey. Just excited to expand baseball throughout the world and in our country, Great Britain.”
“For me, it’s an honor,” USA first baseman Pete Alonso stated. “As a lot as an honor, everybody within the locker room has earned a proper to be there and to be part of that group — I imply, that is an elite crew.
“For us, the talent is through the roof, but we want to be a team of substance as well, not just a team that’s good on paper. We want to go out there and win it.”
Here’s what it’s good to learn about Saturday’s matchup:
How you possibly can watch: The contest between Great Britain and the United States shall be dwell on FOX. Games can be found on FOX, FS1, FS2, Tubi or FOX Deportes, and each sport might be streamed on-line within the FOX Sports App. For worldwide viewing choices, click on right here.
How you possibly can pay attention: Live audio protection of all video games shall be carried on Sirius XM, TuneIn, MLB.com and within the MLB App.
What’s at stake: Britain earned a spot within the occasion for the primary time in 2023, having swept its means via the Regensburg qualifier final September. A win in any of its video games would all however guarantee them qualification for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, however a win over a juggernaut squad just like the one the reigning champs have compiled? It can be a seismic occasion in British baseball lore.
“Baseball is crazy,” Great Britain outfielder Trayce Thompson stated. “Even the best players can be beat by a guy that’s in Rookie ball, you see it in Spring Training all the time. Anything can happen, and that’s the beautiful thing about this game.”
For Team USA, its quest to play seven video games in 11 days and hoist the trophy once more begins Saturday. But supervisor Mark DeRosa is making ready for his first sport on the helm with razor-sharp depth.
“I’m going to be honest with you,” DeRosa stated, “I’m not going to treat Great Britain any differently than we treat Mexico [or any other team]. I just want our guys fired up and playing like it’s playoff baseball energy-wise.”
Matchup historical past: On the World Baseball Classic stage, this shall be a first-time showdown. The two sides every participated within the 2009 Baseball World Cup however by no means confronted one another. The final occasion of worldwide play between the 2 sides dates again to 1938, when Britain received the inaugural Baseball World Cup in opposition to the United States.
Harry Ford, C, Great Britain: Ford’s offensive heroics had been on the coronary heart of Britain’s three-game run to qualify for the Classic. Seattle’s No. 1 prospect spent all of final season at Single-A Modesto in his age-19 marketing campaign, a precursor to going 5-for-11 with three homers and eight RBIs in Germany final September.
Adam Wainwright, RHP, USA: You may choose any member of the star-studded U.S. beginning 9, however Wainwright will get the nod right here as Saturday’s starter. While there are 65-pitch limits throughout pool play, the 41-year-old is shouldering a considerable load because the crew’s ace earlier than he embarks on his 18th massive league marketing campaign. Despite Britain’s lack of established expertise on the sport’s highest ranges, the right-hander is making ready prefer it’s another Major League begin.
“I’m looking forward to facing them,” Wainwright stated. “I know they’re exciting players and [they’re] going to be hungry, looking to make a statement and beat this team. So I have to be very prepared. I’m not taking them for granted, I’ll tell you that.”
