Phoenix, Arizona.- Joey Meneses hit two home runs, including a crucial three-run shot in the fourth, to lead Mexico to an 11-5 victory over the United States on Sunday in the World Baseball Classic.
In a packed stadium – 47,534 people filled Chase Field, the majority in support of Mexico – Meneses got the crowd on its feet at half time with his first home run, putting Mexico up 2-0. Those cheers were louder in the final with the second goal, a powerful drive to left-center field that drove Randy Arosarina and Alex Verdugo to make it 7-1.
Minneso’s first was a home run off starter Nick Martinez, who lost, and his second was off Brady Singer. Mexico’s Patrick Sandoval allowed one run in three innings for the win.
Menace, 30, earned an unexpected promotion to the majors in 2022 after spending more than a decade in the minors and playing outside the United States. He made his debut last season with the Nationals, hitting . 324 with 13 home runs in 222 at-bats.
Mexico continued to increase the lead in the eighth, sending nine batters to the plate and scoring on four runs off Daniel Bard to make it 11-2.
The Americans scored three runs in the eighth for a more respectable score. Tim Anderson had two hits and three RBIs, while Will Smith hit a solo homer.
