HOUSTON — Mexico erupted for 16 runs on 16 hits and mercy-ruled Brazil 16–0 in six innings Sunday night at Daikin Park, improving to 2–0 in Pool B of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Mexico homered four times, received contributions from every hitter in the starting lineup, and combined for a three-hit shutout on the mound in a game that ended when Julian Ornelas launched a two-run home run in the sixth inning, triggering the tournament’s 15-run rule.
The victory sets up one of the marquee matchups of Pool B when Mexico faces Team USA on Monday night in Houston with first place in the group on the line.
Mexico breaks the game open early
Mexico wasted no time taking control of the game in the bottom of the first inning.
Photo: Mexico’s Randy Arozarena, right, smiles at Brazil first baseman Osvaldo Carvalho (6) after a double during the first inning of a World Baseball Classic game, Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Jonathan Aranda opened the scoring with an RBI single to right field that brought home Randy Arozarena. Alejandro Kirk followed with an RBI double to left, and Nick Gonzales drove in another run with an infield single to second.
Alek Thomas capped the inning with an RBI single to left, giving Mexico a 4–0 lead before Brazil could escape the frame.
Mexico added another run in the second inning when Jarren Duran launched a solo home run to right-center field, extending the lead to 5–0.
Six-run fourth inning puts the game out of reach
The game effectively slipped away from Brazil in the fourth inning when Mexico’s offense erupted again.
Duran doubled to left field to score Jose Ortiz and Alek Thomas, pushing the lead to 7–0 before Alejandro Kirk delivered the biggest swing of the night.
Kirk crushed a three-run home run to deep left-center field, scoring Duran and Arozarena to extend Mexico’s advantage to 10–0.
Mexico added another run later in the inning when Nacho Alvarez Jr. crossed the plate on a wild pitch, completing a six-run inning that left Brazil facing a massive deficit.
Thomas and Ornelas deliver the finishing blows
Mexico continued to add insurance in the fifth inning when Austin Wilson doubled to left field, scoring Joey Meneses and stretching the lead to 12–0.
The final inning brought two more home runs.
Alek Thomas launched a two-run homer to right-center field, and moments later Julian Ornelas crushed a two-run shot of his own to right-center field.
Ornelas’ blast ended the game immediately under World Baseball Classic mercy-rule regulations with Mexico ahead 16–0.
Ornelas finished with a home run and two RBIs in his lone official at-bat of the night.
Mexico offense fires on all cylinders
Mexico’s lineup produced 16 hits with every starter recording at least one hit.
Alejandro Kirk led the offense, finishing 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs, while Alek Thomas went 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs.
Jarren Duran added two hits, a home run, and three RBIs, while Nick Gonzales recorded two hits and drove in a run.
Mexico finished 6-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left only five runners on base.
Mexico pitching holds Brazil to three hits
Mexico’s pitching staff controlled the game from the start.
Photo: Mexico’s Alek Thomas celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Brazil, Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Starter Taijuan Walker threw 3 1/3 hitless innings, striking out three and allowing two walks before turning the game over to the bullpen.
Ramon Ramirez and Angel Armenta combined to finish the game, with Mexico pitchers allowing just three hits while striking out eight Brazilian hitters.
Brazil still searching for first WBC victory
Brazil managed only three hits in the game, coming from Fernando Koragi, Victor Ito, and Gabriel Maciel.
Brazil starter Enzo Pardinho took the loss after allowing eight runs on ten hits over three innings.
The defeat dropped Brazil to 0–2 in Pool B as the team continues its search for the program’s first victory in World Baseball Classic history.
Photo: Mexico outfielder Alejandro Osuna blows a bubble in the dugout before a World Baseball Classic game against Brazil, Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Pregame expectations from both teams
Before the game, Mexico manager Benji Gil emphasized his team’s focus despite having a day off before the matchup.
“We know we have professionals on the team. We know when our next game will be. We know our schedule,” Gil said during the pregame press conference.
Brazil veteran Leonardo Reginatto acknowledged the challenge facing the younger Brazilian roster in the tournament.
“It’s a short event and we are playing against the best players in the world,” Reginatto said. “But I think we’re doing a good job with the team that we have.”
Mexico’s Jonathan Aranda also spoke about the unique atmosphere of representing his country in the World Baseball Classic.
“There’s no comparison,” Aranda said. “Nothing compares to representing your own country and having the name on your chest.”
Mexico and USA now set for Pool B showdown
With the victory, Mexico improved to 2–0 in Pool B and now prepares for a highly anticipated matchup against Team USA at Daikin Park.
Photo: Mexico’s Julian Ornelas hits a walk off home run during the sixth inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Brazil, Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Houston crowd has been heavily supportive of Mexico throughout the tournament, creating an atmosphere expected to intensify when the two undefeated teams meet.
First place in Pool B will be on the line.
Photo: Mexico’s Julian Ornelas celebrates after hitting a walk-off home run during the sixth inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Brazil, Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
