#roman_anthony

Red Sox star's game-winning homer sends USA to World Baseball Classic final Team USA’s roster is packed with seasoned stars, but it was their youngest player who delivered the decisive moment in the World Baseball Classic semifinal, sending the team to the final with a dramatic home run. Roman Anthony, a 21-year-old phenom with the Boston Red Sox, hit a 421-foot solo shot to center field in the top of the fourth inning against the Dominican Republic’s Gregory Soto. The blast gave Team USA their first lead of the game and ultimately secured a 2-1 victory, advancing them to the tournament’s championship matchup for the third time in history. Anthony’s home run came with one out in the fourth, setting the stage for a tense showdown. The run proved to be the game’s deciding factor, as the U.S. held off the Dominican Republic’s late rally. After the game, Anthony described the moment as surreal, telling FOX Sports’ postgame show that he “kind of just blacked out” while hitting the ball. “I was, in my head (saying to the ball), ‘Just please go, please go,’” he said, reflecting on the pressure of the moment. Anthony’s performance in the tournament has been impressive, with a .318 batting average and a 1.014 OPS in six games. He has joined a select group of players under 22 who have hit home runs in this year’s WBC, with seven such players already in the tournament. His inclusion in the U.S. team came unexpectedly in mid-February when Arizona Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll was forced to withdraw due to a broken hamate bone. Anthony, who had just begun his major league career, was called up to fill the spot. “I didn’t expect to be here,” Anthony said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. “Going into spring training, I thought I’d be in Fort Myers all season.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #boston_red_sox #roman_anthony #derek_jeter

Roman Anthony Reconnects with Alex Bregman at World Baseball Classic MIAMI — Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony has found renewed joy in his participation in the World Baseball Classic, particularly through his reunion with former teammate Alex Bregman. The two players, who had previously shared a strong bond during their time together in Boston, have once again formed a key partnership as members of Team USA’s roster. Their collaboration has provided Anthony with a familiar presence and mentorship, helping him navigate the high-stakes environment of the tournament. Bregman, who served as a mentor to Anthony during his rookie season last year, played a pivotal role in the young player’s adjustment to the major leagues. His experience and baseball IQ helped Anthony not only adapt to the challenges of the big leagues but also elevate his performance. However, their time as teammates in Boston came to an end this offseason when Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. Despite the separation, their connection has remained strong, and their paths have crossed again in the World Baseball Classic. Anthony has spoken highly of Bregman’s influence, emphasizing the value of his guidance and the positive impact he has had on the team. During a pregame media session ahead of the WBC final, Anthony described Bregman’s presence as transformative, both on and off the field. “Being with him last year and learning from him and the way that he has been as good as he is and the way that he game-plans and everything, and knowing that he just transforms a clubhouse, I’ve already told him a little bit and joking with him, I’m sad to leave him,” Anthony said. The emotional weight of their reunion has become more apparent as the tournament progressed.#world_baseball_classic #chicago_cubs #team_usa #roman_anthony #alex_bregman

Roman Anthony ready to play in World Baseball Classic final FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Roman Anthony’s latest heroics in the World Baseball Classic, a go-ahead solo home run that propelled Team USA to a 2-1 semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic, left his Red Sox teammates in awe. The 21-year-old’s performance underscored his growing reputation as a clutch performer on the international stage. Anthony’s clutch hit in the semifinals came just days after he delivered a three-run homer in a 5-3 win over Mexico, further solidifying his role as a key contributor for Team USA. With six games under his belt in the tournament, he now boasts a .318 batting average, .423 on-base percentage, .591 slugging percentage, two home runs, and a team-leading seven RBIs. His standout performance has positioned him to face either Italy or Venezuela in the final, set for 8 p.m. ET on FOX. Teammates have praised Anthony’s poise and confidence, noting that his ability to thrive in high-pressure moments is nothing short of remarkable. Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story called him “a special kid,” emphasizing that Anthony’s success was anticipated despite his age and relative inexperience. “He’s earned it by the way he goes about his business,” Story said. “It’s crazy to think he’s doing this at 21, but he’s made it look natural.” Anthony’s journey to this point has been rapid. Just three years ago, he was a high school freshman who secured tickets to the 2023 WBC final by arranging a road trip with Minor League teammates. The group watched Team USA face Japan in a thrilling matchup, with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout to clinch the title for Japan. Now, Anthony has the chance to avenge that loss as the starting left fielder, a role he assumed after Arizona’s Corbin Carroll was sidelined with a broken hamate bone.#world_baseball_classic #team_usa #roman_anthony #red_sox #trevor_story

How Red Sox's Jarren Duran Described World Baseball Classic Experience Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is competing for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. The 29-year-old player joined a group of Red Sox teammates making an early impact in the tournament after hitting a home run in Mexico’s 16-0 victory over Brazil. Following the game, Duran shared his thoughts with MLB Network’s Jon Morosi about the electric atmosphere at Daikin Park in Houston. A large crowd of Mexico fans filled the venue, creating a buzz that Duran described as more intense than the postseason series between the Red Sox and Yankees in October 2025. “You can’t describe it. You have to be here to witness it, but it’s one of the loudest crowds I’ve been a part of,” he said. “I got to play in the playoffs last year, and it doesn’t even come close to this.” Duran’s performance in spring training prior to the WBC included three home runs and two doubles across five games. He also went hitless in an 8-2 win over Great Britain, though he drew a walk and stole a base from the leadoff position. On Sunday, he contributed two RBIs in a 2-for-3 effort. After hitting his home run, Duran expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for Mexico. “I feel like I haven’t done much for this team, and I didn’t do much in the last WBC, but it meant a lot to me,” he said. “I was trying not to smile too much, but it means a lot to me to be able to do that for these fans.” Duran, who was born in California, emphasized his pride in honoring his father’s Mexican heritage. “When I hit that homer, the first thing I thought of was my dad and his family, and how I can represent the,” he said. “And I know they’re going crazy for me back home, so it means a lot to me.#world_baseball_classic #boston_red_sox #daikin_park #jarren_duran #roman_anthony