Following a disappointing loss in which both Philadelphia Phillies watched Team USA fall to Mexico from the bench, J.T. Realmuto and Trea Turner helped the United States respond in a loud way in the World Baseball Classic on Monday night.
Realmuto had two hits and two RBIs while Turner launched his first home run of the WBC as Team USA exploded early on in a 12-1, mercy-rule victory over Canada at Arizona’s Chase Field, reviving the United States’ chances of making it out of Pool C.
Team USA (2-1) rallied for a nine-run first inning, with Realmuto extending the lead to 4-0 with an RBI single and Angels superstar Mike Trout hitting a three-run homer to make it 9-0.
The USA lineup didn’t stop there, as Tim Anderson hit an RBI triple, Realmuto added a sacrifice fly and Turner punctuated the scoring with a home run to deep left field.
Team USA held Canada to only one run in seven innings, ending the game on the 10-run mercy rule and putting the United States back in good position to qualify for the WBC quarterfinals.
With two teams making it out of Pool C, Team USA’s chances appeared uncertain after its 11-5 loss to Mexico on Sunday. But with Colombia falling to Great Britain in a massive upset on Monday, Team USA is more than alive after taking care of business against Canada.
The United States will take on Colombia (1-1) in a huge Pool C matchup on Wednesday at 10 p.m. at Chase Field.