SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Aaron Judge looks ready for his first World Baseball Classic.
The U.S. captain crushed a 453-foot solo homer in the first inning of the team's exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, drawing a roar from the crowd and then “U-S-A!” chants in a packed stadium at Salt River Fields in Arizona.
Judge's no-doubter to left field was off lefty Kyle Freeland, leaving his bat at 115.9 mph. The three-time MVP is trying
to lead the Americans to their first WBC title since 2017.
It's the second of two exhibition games for the U.S. team, which will travel to Houston for Friday's opener against Brazil. San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will be the starting pitcher.
Two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is expected to start Saturday against Britain, followed by NL Cy Young Paul Skenes vs. Mexico on Monday.
New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean is tentatively scheduled to start on Tuesday in the final pool-play game against Italy, even though he’s dealing with vertigo-like symptoms and hopes to join the U.S. in Houston. DeRosa said after Tuesday’s 15-1 exhibition win over the Giants that McLean’s health was improving.
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