Mexico vs. USA: A Battle of Unbeatens at the World Baseball Classic

The national teams of Mexico and the United States will take center stage today in Houston in a long-awaited duel between two undefeated squads, as the sixth World Baseball Classic continues with a Group B showdown that could decide the group's top seed.

Both teams will meet at Daikin Park in Houston, each arriving with a perfect 2-0 record and eyeing a virtual berth in the quarterfinals. In the 2023 edition of the tournament, these same two nations finished on the podium — the United States as runners-up behind Japan, and Mexico in third place.

The United States will hand the ball tonight to standout right-hander Paul Skenes, last year's Cy Young Award winner in the Major Leagues, while Mexico will start veteran Manny Barreda, a 37-year-old pitcher with limited big-league experience.

MLB talent runs deep on both rosters. The U.S. side boasts the likes of Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Cal Raleigh, and Bobby Witt Jr., while Mexico counters with Randy Arozarena, Alejandro Kirk, and Jarren Durán.

On paper, the American lineup is considerably more formidable, making the home side the clear favorite. That said, Mexico has gotten the better of the United States in previous World Baseball Classic meetings, winning 2-1 in 2006, 5-2 in 2013, and 11-5 in 2023.

Earlier in the day, also in Group B, the already-eliminated Brazil and Great Britain — both winless at 0-3 — will face each other, while Italy, the group's other undefeated team at 2-0, is off for the day.