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Kyle Schwarber’s 3-run homer sends U.S. past Britain in World Baseball Classic

The United States overcame a slow start to beat Britain 6-2 in the World Baseball Classic opener for both teams.

Kyle Schwarber celebrates with third base coach Dino Ebel after hitting a three-run home run against Great Britain on Saturday in the World Baseball Classic.
Kyle Schwarber celebrates with third base coach Dino Ebel after hitting a three-run home run against Great Britain on Saturday in the World Baseball Classic.Read moreGodofredo A. Vásquez / AP

PHOENIX — Phillies star Kyle Schwarber launched a three-run homer, Nolan Arenado had three hits and two RBIs, and the United States overcame a slow start to beat Britain 6-2 on Saturday night in the World Baseball Classic opener for both teams.

Trayce Thompson put Britain up 1-0 in the first inning with a homer off Adam Wainwright that just cleared the left-center wall. Thompson — who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers — is one of the few players on Britain’s roster with big league experience.

Thompson’s drive briefly put a damper on the mood for the crowd of 39,650 at Chase Field, but the Americans weren’t down long.

The U.S. grabbed a 2-1 lead in the third and then broke the game open in the fourth on Schwarber’s shot that landed in the stands near the swimming pool that sits behind the right-center fence at Chase Field.

Wainwright gave up one run and five hits over four innings for the win. Kyle Freeland allowed one run in three innings of relief, and David Bednar struck out the side in the ninth.

Former big league pitcher Vance Worley gave up two unearned runs over 2⅔ innings for Britain. Thompson, who tied his career high with 13 homers last season for the Dodgers, finished with two hits.