U.S. Dominates Giants in World Baseball Classic Warmup

Paul Skenes strikes out four in solid outing as Team USA routs San Francisco 15-1

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The United States national baseball team put on an offensive display in a 15-1 exhibition win over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Paul Skenes, the National League Cy Young Award winner, had a strong outing, striking out four batters over three innings. The U.S. lineup, featuring stars like Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper, and Aaron Judge, jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, racking up 19 hits in the 10-inning contest.

Why it matters

The dominant performance by Team USA in the exhibition game showcases the depth and talent of the American roster as they prepare to defend their 2017 World Baseball Classic title. The game also provided an opportunity for players to build chemistry and get comfortable playing together ahead of the high-stakes tournament.

The details

The U.S. scored two runs in the first inning and never looked back, eventually winning 15-1. Paul Skenes, the 23-year-old right-hander, gave up just one run and one hit while striking out four over three innings. The U.S. lineup was led by standout performances from Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper, and Aaron Judge, who all contributed to the team's 19-hit outburst. Other offensive stars included Roman Anthony, Alex Bregman, and Gunnar Henderson.

  • The exhibition game took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The U.S. team will play one more exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, March 5, 2026 before traveling to Houston on Thursday, March 6, 2026 to prepare for the World Baseball Classic group stage.

The players

Paul Skenes

The 23-year-old right-hander and National League Cy Young Award winner, who had a solid outing in the exhibition game, giving up one run and one hit while striking out four over three innings.

Bobby Witt Jr.

The young American star who set the table for the U.S. offense, singling in the first inning to start a two-run rally.

Bryce Harper

The veteran outfielder and former National League MVP, who doubled and scored in the first inning to help the U.S. jump out to an early lead.

Aaron Judge

The three-time American League MVP, who hit a two-run single in the first inning to extend the U.S. lead.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the U.S. national team, who was pleased to see his players bonding and building chemistry in the dugout even after being taken out of the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've got a great group of guys. Bobby Witt starting it at the top, being a table-setter up there for us. Obviously, one through nine we've got a pretty good dynamic. We've just got to continue to be good.”

— Bryce Harper (cbsnews.com)

“It's a spring-training game, but it's still surreal. It's going to be exciting when we get to Houston and it's the real deal.”

— Paul Skenes (cbsnews.com)

“You look down the dugout, you're seeing Bregman talking to Roman Anthony, you're seeing (Tarik) Skubal and Skenes on the top step, you're seeing Judge and (Cal) Raleigh talking. That's what I wanted to create, the coaching staff wanted to create — an environment where these guys didn't want to leave.”

— Mark DeRosa, Manager, U.S. National Team (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The U.S. team will play one more exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, March 5, 2026 before traveling to Houston on Thursday, March 6, 2026 to prepare for the World Baseball Classic group stage. The team's first game in the tournament is scheduled for Friday, March 7, 2026 against Brazil.

The takeaway

The U.S. national team's dominant performance in the exhibition game against the Giants showcases the depth of talent on their roster as they look to defend their 2017 World Baseball Classic title. The team's ability to quickly build chemistry and camaraderie bodes well for their chances of success in the upcoming high-stakes tournament.