The World Baseball Classic kicked off with exciting exhibition games, featuring Arizona Diamondbacks players representing their countries. Despite the results not impacting the regular season standings, the energy and support from fans were palpable. Several Diamondbacks players had notable performances, showcasing their skills on the international stage.
The World Baseball Classic began with a bang on Tuesday, and the Arizona Diamondbacks were at the center of the action. National teams faced off against numerous MLB clubs in exhibition matchups. The results may not count in the win-loss column, but that did not appear to matter to those who showed up to support their home country.
That much was evident as fans of Team Mexico thunderously chanted for their country's victory — nearly half an hour following the final out of their "A little different energy ," Manager Torey Lovullo said. "It was awesome. Fans were great. Our friends to the south were very supportive of their team. ... I'll watch it a little more closely, with more intent, and root for Mexico. They're a good team, a lot of good major league players, and a great crowd base." But the Diamondbacks were not simply the losing club in an exhibition match. Arizona's fingerprints positively littered the WBC's first round of exhibition matches.Mar 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Mexico outfielder Alek Thomas against Canada during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sportswent 0-for-2, but hit a 105 MPH sacrifice fly that tied the game in the second inning. He hit another ball 109 MPH for an out. Marte's swing looks just fine.RBI single. Arenado finished 1-for-2 with a walk RBI and run scored. Arenado is playing for Puerto Rico for the first time this tournament, representing Puerto Rican heritage on his mother's side.'s win over Arizona. He went 2-for-3 with an RBI and stole extra bases away from top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt in center field., D-backs outfield prospect Kristian Robinson — serving as the DH — went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored in 7-3 victory.The Diamondbacks were among the most supportive clubs in MLB when it comes to allowing their key players to depart and represent their home countries — some even without insurance. Not only are these players fighting for their heritage, they're making Arizona proud in the process. "Everybody that asks to play in the WBC, I always encourage them to do that. Go and represent your country. Go and make us proud," Lovullo said of the WBC at the advent of spring training.Born and raised in the desert, Alex D'Agostino is a lifelong follower of Arizona sports. Alex writes for Arizona Diamondbacks ON SI and also Arizona Cardinals ON SI. He previously covered the Diamondbacks for FanSided's VenomStrikes. Follow Alex on Twitter @AlexDagAZFive Obstacles That Could Stop Team USA From Winning the World Baseball Classic
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