The World Baseball Classic is rapidly progressing, with the knockout rounds set to begin this Friday after the final day of pool play. Team USA remains undefeated at 3-0 following their Monday night victory against Mexico. Earlier wins against Brazil and Great Britain have positioned the Americans as one of the tournament favorites. Fans anxiously await to see if the team can secure the championship next week.
Paul Skenes Shines in Dominant Pitching Performance
In the matchup against Mexico, pitcher Paul Skenes delivered an impressive performance, allowing only one hit over four innings. He struck out seven batters, throwing 60 pitches with 39 strikes. Relief pitcher Matthew Boyd followed, conceding three runs during 2.1 innings, which tightened the score before the U.S. held on for the victory. Skenes’ strong outing has increased attention on his role in the tournament.
Defensive Highlight: Bobby Witt Jr.’s Game-Changing Play
Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. made a spectacular defensive play by diving to prevent Alejandro Kirk from getting a hit, energizing his team and fans alike.
BOBBY WITT JR., STOP IT! #WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC pic.twitter.com/lXolN8Ahl6
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 10, 2026
Witt’s athleticism on the field earned praise from teammates, including Paul Skenes, who rarely displays emotion but showed notable appreciation for Witt’s effort.
shoutout @BwittJr 😅 pic.twitter.com/PuJyP1cjQ6
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 10, 2026
Olivia Dunne’s Meme Adds Humor to the Tournament Buzz
Paul Skenes is known for his stoic demeanor, often compared to NBA star Kawhi Leonard, who rarely smiles unless something remarkable happens. Social media picked up on a playful trend as users noted how shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. managed to elicit a smile from Skenes, contrasting with his typically reserved expressions. Skenes’ girlfriend, Olivia Dunne, joined in on the fun by sharing a meme that poked fun at the lighthearted trolling she received, embracing the playful banter.
pic.twitter.com/j52XSxhvkp
— Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne) March 10, 2026
Upcoming Matchup and Tournament Outlook
Looking ahead, the United States is set to face Italy on Tuesday night, aiming to extend their perfect record to 4-0. A win would set up a highly anticipated knockout stage against the second-place team from Group A, likely Puerto Rico or one of the other contenders like Cuba or Canada. With the stakes rising, the excitement and pressure on Team USA, including key players like Paul Skenes and Bobby Witt Jr., will only intensify as the championship nears.
BOBBY WITT JR., STOP IT! #WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC pic.twitter.com/lXolN8Ahl6
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 10, 2026
shoutout @BwittJr 😅 pic.twitter.com/PuJyP1cjQ6
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 10, 2026
How Paul Skenes looks with Livvy Dunne vs how he looks at Bobby Witt Jr. after he makes a great defensive play. pic.twitter.com/eSdisYUIC8
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) March 10, 2026
— Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne) March 10, 2026
