March 7, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; America’s designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) hit a two-run home run against England in the fifth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Kyle Schwarber hit a tying, two-run homer in the fifth inning as the United States overcame a slow start to beat Great Britain 9-1 in Group B action at the World Baseball Classic in Houston on Saturday night.
Gunnar Henderson was fifth in scoring for Team USA, who improved to 2-0 ahead of Monday’s game against Mexico (1-0). Alex Bregman had sacrifice flies in the sixth and seventh innings, and Aaron Judge (single) and Will Smith (sacrifice fly) each had RBIs in the sixth.
Nate Eaton homered for Great Britain in the opener against a two-time defending American League Cy Young Award winner, Tarik Skubal. England lost 0-2 as they prepare to play Italy (1-0) on Sunday.
England maintained a 1-0 lead until the 5th inning thanks to 2-hit pitches in 4 innings by Tyler Visa, who pitched in the minors for the Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and Minnesota Twins, and LA Angels prospect Nazer Victor.
Viza benefited from great defensive play by former big league outfielder Trayce Thompson, who cleared the right-field fence to rob Smith of a home run in the second inning.
U.S. national team Ernie Clements started a rally in the fifth inning with a one-out error by Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ivan Johnson. Clement advanced to third on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s double and scored on a wild pitch off pitcher Andre Scrubb, a former member of the Houston Astros.
Schwarber hit a 427-foot home run to right.
Henderson went 4-for-5 and Schwarber had two hits. Every hitter except Smith, who drew two walks in a 12-3 win over England, had at least one hit for the U.S. team.
Clay Holmes relieved Skubal, who allowed 2 hits and 5 strikeouts in 3 innings, and earned the win by allowing 1 hit and 6 strikeouts in 3 innings.
David Bednar, Griffin Jax and Brad Keller each had two strikeouts in perfect innings.
England had no baserunners other than Eaton, who had three hits.
Visa allowed two hits in three innings, and Victor struck out all four of his outs.
–Field level media
