GB
USA
Great Britain shocked the United States with a leadoff home run from Nate Eaton but was unable to hold off the higher ranked team, falling 9-1 in Pool B play at the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Friday.
Facing USA’s Tariq Skubal, the reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, Eaton was asked in the pregame press conference what his mindset was entering the matchup. His reply? “Throughout my career I’ve faced other ones. So not taking anything from him, he’s obviously great, but I go about my routine and do my game planning the way I do. It’s an awesome opportunity to do that, and I think we’re prepared to do it.”
Prepared he was, as he launched the very first pitch off the wall and over the line in left field, confirmed as a home run after a brief review, and for the second consecutive World Baseball Classic, Great Britain led the United States 1-0. Eaton’s home run was the 11th leadoff home run in World Baseball Classic history, and Great Britain’s second big fly of the tournament.
Tyler Viza, the starter in Great Britain’s first-ever WBC win, got the nod for Brad Marcelino’s squad, and got a massive boost from Trayce Thompson. After a scoreless first, Dodgers catcher Will Smith hammered a ball to right field, but Thompson made an incredible leaping catch to rob a home run and maintain the 1-0 advantage.
Viza kept USA off the board for three innings and gave way to fireballer Najer Victor, who put on a show, striking out four in an inning and a third of work – including USA Captain Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper – before a throwing error by Ivan Johnson allowed Ernie Clement to reach base with one out in the fifth. Andre Scrubb (0-1) entered the game, and Clement scored on a wild pitch, before Kyle Schwarber launched a two-run shot to give the US the lead. USA would add two more runs in the inning, and when the dust settled, the tournament favourites lead 5-1.
USA would add three runs in the sixth and another in the seventh, while stifling GB’s offence – except, of course, Eaton, who finished the night with all three of Great Britain’s hits. Brad Keller closed out the game for the United States, who took home the 9-1 victory.
Great Britain will have a very short turnaround with both a day game against Italy tomorrow and Daylight Savings Time in the US this evening. First pitch for the premier European matchup of World Baseball Classic Pool Play is set for 12:10 PM CDT and 5:10 PM GMT.
Follow along with Great Britain Baseball at the World Baseball Classic at gb_baseball on Instagram and X, and on Tik Tok at gbbaseball.