Aaron Judge throws out a runner, then homers vs. Mexico

HOUSTON -- The Captain came to play in Team USA's biggest game of the World Baseball Classic. Aaron Judge had an outstanding outfield assist and hit a leadoff home run, all within the same inning of the United States-Mexico showdown Monday night at Daikin Park. "It's playoff baseball, in March," Judge told FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal on the field after Team USA's 5-3 victory. With the two undefeated WBC rivals facing off in the most hyped group game, Judge showed why he is the captain of the United States in this Classic. World Baseball Classic 2026 Group B (Houston) and Group D (Miami) presented by Capital One • How to watch live matches • Results and calendar • Classifications and tiebreakers • Tickets and places • Lists • Players by MLB team • Complete coverage In the top of the third inning, Judge hit a rocket from right field to catch Joey Ortiz trying to go from first to third on a hit by Mexican leadoff hitter Jarren Durán. And in the bottom of the third, the Yankees superstar hit an opposite-field shot just over the right field wall for his second home run of the World Baseball Classic, eliciting "U-S-A!" chants from the crowd in Houston. "I love it," Judge told Rosenthal. "The fans came out with it today. It was a fun atmosphere. An exciting atmosphere. The guys were ready to go." Judge's home run sparked a five-run inning for the United States, who got a big three-run homer from Roman Anthony just a few batters later to extend their lead. But Judge's play in the outfield was equally important in returning momentum to the United States after Mexico had a sensational relief to break off a run at the plate in the previous inning. Judge's pitch, which helped keep the game scoreless and set the stage for his home run, was clocked at 91.8 mph, according to Statcast. After Judge dealt with elbow issues for most of last season, which called into question his arm strength in the outfield, his WBC cannon should put those questions to rest.