USA Holds Off Brazil in WBC Opener as Turang, Judge Shine
Team USA narrowly outlasted Brazil in the World Baseball Classic opener in Houston, as Brazil’s Lucas Ramirez—son of Manny Ramirez—homered twice and briefly kept the game competitive, while Aaron Judge set the tone with a 405-foot two‑run shot. Brice Turang later cleared the bases with a key fifth-inning double to spark USA’s offense; Brazil’s young talent, including Joseph Contreras, showed promise but USA pitching settled after an early stumble. USA now looks to Tarik Skubal against Great Britain, then Mexico and Italy, as it builds momentum in Pool B.
