First place in Pool B is on the line Monday night in Houston.
Team USA and Team Mexico both enter at 2-0 in this year’s World Baseball Classic, setting up a marquee showdown at Daikin Park with major implications in the round-robin race. In a short pool format where only two teams advance, this matchup could ultimately decide who controls the path to the knockout stage.
Both clubs have handled business so far. The United States rolled past Brazil (15-5) and Great Britain (9-1), while Mexico dominated Great Britain (8-2) and crushed Brazil (16-0). Now, the level of competition rises significantly between two of the tournament’s highest-spending teams.
Mexico vs. USA Game Info
- 📍 Where: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
- 📅 Date: Monday, March 9
- ⏰ First Pitch: 8:00 PM ET
- 📺💻 TV/Streaming: FOX
Mexico vs. USA Odds at Hard Rock Bet
As of Monday afternoon, Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists Team USA as the favorite behind a loaded lineup and a premier arm on the mound.
Odds as of Monday afternoon. Subject to change.
Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | USA -550, Mexico +375 |
| Run Line | USA -3.5 (-120), Mexico +3.5 (+100) |
| Total (Runs) | Over 11.5 (+100), Under 11.5 (-130) |
The Americans are priced as moderate favorites, reflecting both roster depth and the starting pitching edge with Paul Skenes taking the ball. Mexico, however, has shown explosive offensive upside through two games and offers value as an underdog in what projects as a competitive matchup. The total sitting near 11.5 runs suggests expectations of offense, though Skenes’ presence could influence that number.
Mexico vs. USA Player Props
With elite talent on both rosters, player prop markets are drawing strong interest at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook and can be found under Game Exclusives.
Strikeout Props
- Paul Skenes to Record 4+ Strikeouts (-350)
- Paul Skenes to Record 5+ Strikeouts (-150)
- Paul Skenes to Record 6+ Strikeouts (+130)
- Paul Skenes to Record 7+ Strikeouts (+300)
- Paul Skenes to Record 8+ Strikeouts (+600)
- Paul Skenes to Record 9+ Strikeouts (+1000)
Skenes is the headline tonight. The electric right-hander brings triple-digit velocity and swing-and-miss stuff that can overpower lineups when he’s commanding the zone. His strikeout ladder is one of the most intriguing markets on the board, especially in a tournament setting where managers may not push starters too deep.
Home Run Props
- Aaron Judge to Record 1+ Home Run (+150)
- Kyle Schwarber to Record 1+ Home Run (+175)
- Bryce Harper to Record 1+ Home Run (+300)
- Gunnar Henderson to Record 1+ Home Run (+300)
- Will Smith to Record 1+ Home Run (+300)
- Alex Bregman to Record 1+ Home Run (+400)
- Roman Anthony to Record 1+ Home Run (+400)
- Jonathan Aranda to Record 1+ Home Run (+450)
- Jarren Duran to Record 1+ Home Run (+475)
- Rowdy Tellez to Record 1+ Home Run (+475)
- Pete Crow-Armstrong to Record 1+ Home Run (+550)
- Alejandro Kirk to Record 1+ Home Run (+600)
- Randy Arozarena to Record 1+ Home Run (+600)
- Alek Thomas to Record 1+ Home Run (+650)
- Ernie Clement to Record 1+ Home Run (+650)
- Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber Each to Record 1+ Home Run (+900)
- Aaron Judge and Randy Arozarena Each to Record 1+ Home Run (+1500)
Hit Props
- Roman Anthony to Record 1+ Hit (-250)
- Pete Crow-Armstrong to Record 1+ Hit (-225)
- Alejandro Kirk to Record 1+ Hit (-200)
- Jonathan Aranda to Record 1+ Hit (-200)
- Jarren Duran to Record 1+ Hit (-180)
- Nick Gonzales to Record 1+ Hit (-160)
- Rowdy Tellez to Record 1+ Hit (-150)
- Randy Arozarena to Record 1+ Hit (-150)
- Alek Thomas to Record 1+ Hit (-140)
- Joey Ortiz to Record 1+ Hit (-140)
- Nacho Alvarez Jr. to Record 1+ Hit (-140)
- Aaron Judge to Record 2+ Hits (+175)
- Alex Bregman to Record 2+ Hits (+180)
- Bryce Harper to Record 2+ Hits (+200)
- Kyle Schwarber to Record 2+ Hits (+200)
- Ernie Clement to Record 2+ Hits (+200)
- Gunnar Henderson to Record 2+ Hits (+200)
- Will Smith to Record 2+ Hits (+200)
Total Bases Props
- Kyle Schwarber to Record 2+ Total Bases (-120)
- Bryce Harper to Record 2+ Total Bases (-110)
- Will Smith to Record 2+ Total Bases (+100)
- Gunnar Henderson to Record 2+ Total Bases (+100)
- Aaron Judge to Record 3+ Total Bases (+100)
- Alex Bregman to Record 2+ Total Bases (+105)
- Roman Anthony to Record 2+ Total Bases (+110)
- Ernie Clement to Record 2+ Total Bases (+115)
- Pete Crow-Armstrong to Record 2+ Total Bases (+120)
Both teams have shown they can put up crooked numbers early in pool play, making long-ball and other offensive markets particularly attractive at hitter-friendly Daikin Park.
Team Breakdown
With both teams sitting at 2-0, this game carries more weight than a typical pool matchup. The winner gains inside track to a top-two finish, and potentially avoids scoreboard-watching later in the week.
🇲🇽 Team Mexico
Mexico has been explosive out of the gate, matching Team USA with 24 total runs through two games. The highlight so far was a dominant 16-0 shutout of Brazil, a performance that showcased both lineup depth and pitching control.
Offensively, Mexico has proven it can score in a variety of ways — timely hitting, power to the gaps, and aggressive baserunning. Against Paul Skenes, however, the approach may need to shift. Squaring up triple-digit velocity isn’t easy, so situational hitting and forcing deep counts could be critical.
The blueprint for Mexico is clear:
- Stay disciplined against premium velocity
- Take advantage of any defensive miscues
- Keep the game tight into the middle innings
If Mexico can prevent the game from tilting early, the pressure swings to the tournament favorite.
🇺🇸 Team USA
The United States has been equally impressive offensively, posting wins of 15-5 over Brazil and 9-1 over Great Britain. The lineup has consistently created traffic on the bases, and there’s legitimate power from top to bottom.
Still, the headline tonight is Paul Skenes. The electric right-hander gives Team USA a potential edge on the mound with his ability to miss bats and control the strike zone. If he establishes rhythm early, it allows the Americans to dictate tempo and shorten the game with their bullpen.
For Team USA, the key is simple: grab an early lead and let Skenes attack from in front. When playing with a cushion, their depth becomes even more difficult to overcome.
Check Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for the latest odds and player props before first pitch.
Referenced odds are subject to change.
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