USA Dominates Giants in Exhibition Ahead of World Baseball Classic

Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper lead offensive onslaught as Team USA prepares for tournament

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The United States national baseball team put on an offensive showcase, defeating the San Francisco Giants 15-1 in a 10-inning exhibition game ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Led by stars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Bobby Witt Jr., the U.S. squad jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and never looked back, racking up 19 hits including home runs from Roman Anthony and Alex Bregman.

Why it matters

This exhibition game provided a glimpse into the potent lineup and pitching depth that the U.S. will bring to the World Baseball Classic, as they look to capture their second title in the tournament's history. The dominant performance against a Major League team underscores the talent and chemistry the American squad has developed ahead of the global competition.

The details

The U.S. got off to a fast start, with Bobby Witt Jr. singling, Bryce Harper doubling, and Aaron Judge driving them both in with a two-run single in the first inning. They continued to pour it on, getting multi-hit games from several players including Roman Anthony, who hit a two-run homer. On the mound, starting pitcher Paul Skenes threw three solid innings, allowing just one run, while relievers Matthew Boyd, David Bednar, and others combined for seven scoreless frames.

  • 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 before traveling to Houston on Thursday, March 6 to prepare for the World Baseball Classic group stage.

The players

Aaron Judge

A three-time American League MVP and one of the biggest stars on the U.S. national team roster.

Bryce Harper

The reigning National League MVP, Harper is another key offensive piece for the U.S. squad.

Paul Skenes

The 23-year-old right-hander and reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, Skenes had a solid outing in the exhibition game.

Bobby Witt Jr.

The young Kansas City Royals star, Witt Jr. set the table at the top of the U.S. lineup, singling to start the game.

Alex Bregman

The Houston Astros third baseman, Bregman hit a solo home run in the exhibition contest.

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

“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

“He just shared what it takes. Controlling the controllables and getting after it.”

— Alex Bregman

What’s next

The U.S. team will play one more exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, March 5 before traveling to Houston on Thursday, March 6 to prepare for the World Baseball Classic group stage. The first game for Team USA will be on Friday, March 7 against Brazil.

The takeaway

This dominant exhibition performance showcases the offensive firepower and pitching depth that the U.S. national team will bring to the World Baseball Classic, as they look to capture their second title in the tournament's history and prove they have the talent to compete with the best baseball teams in the world.