Meneses hits two homers, Mexico beats USA 11-5

PHOENIX (AP) — Joey Meneses hit two home runs, including a crucial three-point 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 crowded stadium – 47,534 people filled Chase Field, most of them supporting Mexico – Meneses got the crowd going in the first inning with his first home run, which put Mexico up 2 -0. Those cheers were even louder in the final with the second, a powerful drive down the center left that drove Randy Arozarena and Alex Verdugo to make it 7-1.

Meneses’ first home run was against starter Nick Martinez, who took the loss, and his second was against Brady Singer. Mexican starter Patrick Sandoval allowed one run in three innings to win.

Meneses, 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 widen the gap in the eighth, sending nine homers and scoring four runs against Daniel Bard to make it 11-2.

The Americans scored three in the eighth to leave a more respectable score. Tim Anderson had two hits and three RBIs, while Will Smith hit a solo homer.