USA's first win over Mexico in 20 years

Plus: Q&A with Andrew Baggarly on WBC Olympic qualifying

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. national baseball team defeated Mexico 6-3 in the World Baseball Classic, marking their first win over Mexico since 2006. Highlights include impressive defensive plays by Bobby Witt Jr. and a late rally by Mexico that fell short. The article also discusses the Olympic qualifying implications of the WBC, with Baggarly providing details on the complex tiebreaker rules that will determine which teams from the Americas advance to the 2028 Olympics.

Why it matters

The U.S. victory over Mexico ends a long drought and sets up an important matchup between the two teams in the tournament. Additionally, the WBC's role as the sole qualifying event for the 2028 Olympics from the Americas has significant implications, as teams will be fighting for a spot on the world's biggest athletic stage.

The details

In the third inning, a 95 mph comebacker from Bryce Harper hit Mexico's reliever Jesús Cruz in the right ankle, but Mexico's manager Benji Gil left him in the game. The U.S. then scored several runs, taking a 6-3 lead. Mexico made a late comeback attempt, but ultimately fell short. Standout defensive plays by Bobby Witt Jr. were a highlight of the game.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.