Griffin Jax, a reliever for the Tampa Bay Rays, played a pivotal role in Team USA’s 5-3 victory over Mexico in the World Baseball Classic on March 9, 2026. This win marked the first time Team USA has defeated Mexico in the tournament since 2006.
Jax, who is also a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, invited the entire Air Force baseball team to attend the game, showcasing his commitment to both his military and athletic communities. “Both Jax and Skenes paid for the entire Air Force baseball team to attend USA’s game tonight,” noted a source.
In the game, Paul Skenes made an impressive World Baseball Classic debut, pitching four shutout innings, allowing only one hit, and recording seven strikeouts. Jax contributed significantly by inducing an inning-ending double play to escape a jam in the eighth inning.
Jax has been performing well this spring, having pitched 2⅔ innings with no earned runs in the World Baseball Classic. His overall performance includes one run on four hits with seven strikeouts and one walk across 4.2 combined innings between the Grapefruit League and the World Baseball Classic.
Last season, Jax posted a 4.23 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP, and he is expected to open the upcoming season in a closer committee alongside Garrett Cleavinger. His contributions to Team USA further solidify his status as a key player to watch in the upcoming season.
As Jax continues to balance his commitments to both baseball and the Air Force, observers are keen to see how his dual roles will impact his performance in Major League Baseball. The success of Team USA against Mexico has also raised expectations for the team as they advance in the World Baseball Classic.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further implications of Jax’s performance on his Major League career, but his achievements thus far have certainly made headlines.