United States opens with nine-run first inning vs. Canada at WBC

March 14, 2023 - 12:19am

Watch as Team USA erupts for nine-runs in the first against Team Canada chasing starting pitcher Mitch Bratt, with the inning capped off by a towering three-run bomb by former MVP Mike Trout.

Team Canada will have to pull off a comeback for the ages to defeat the United States on Monday at the World Baseball Classic.

Before the Canadians even swung a bat, they fell down 9-0 to their heavily favoured rivals.

The United States instantly loaded the bases in the top of the first inning with their modest lineup of Mookie Betts, Mike Trout and Paul Goldschmidt, before Nolan Arenado hit a two-run double off Canadian starter Mitch Bratt. The United States then added three more runs to chase Bratt.

Things didn't change too much with R.J. Freure on the mound, though. With two players on base, Trout stepped back up to the plate and cranked a three-run home run to make the score 9-0.

United States led 12-1 in the second inning. The mercy rule is a 15-run lead after five innings or a 10-run lead after seven.