Lucas Ramirez smashes two home runs to shock Team USA in Houston World Baseball Classic opener

Fans inside Houston’s ballpark were expecting a comfortable win for the United States in the opening game of the tournament.

Instead, they got a brief but thrilling scare courtesy of a rising star with a famous last name.

Lucas Ramirez, the 20-year-old son of legendary slugger Manny Ramirez, blasted two home runs for Team Brazil against Team USA in the opening matchup of the World Baseball Classic.

Despite the underdog effort, the Americans eventually overwhelmed Brazil with a dominant offensive surge to win 15–5.

Still, the night belonged in many ways to the younger Ramirez, who showed flashes of the power that made his father a baseball icon.

A Dramatic Start in Houston

The action unfolded in Houston, where Brazil immediately grabbed attention.

After Aaron Judge opened the scoring with a two-run homer for the Americans in the first inning, Ramirez responded instantly.

Facing ace pitcher Logan Webb, Ramirez crushed a leadoff home run in the bottom of the inning.

The blast cut the lead to 2–1 and electrified the crowd, signaling that Brazil would not quietly fade away.

Another Home Run Keeps Brazil Fighting

Ramirez wasn’t finished. Later in the game, he delivered another big swing in the eighth inning.

This time, the young outfielder took left-handed reliever Gabe Speier deep, trimming the American lead to 8–5.

For a brief moment, Brazil appeared capable of pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. But the momentum didn’t last.

USA Pulls Away Late

In the ninth inning, Team USA’s powerful lineup exploded for seven runs, putting the game out of reach and sealing the 15–5 victory.

Even so, Brazil’s performance earned respect.

Facing one of the tournament’s favorites, the underdogs proved they could compete—at least for stretches.

A Proud Father Watches from the Stands

For Manny Ramirez, the night was emotional.

The former Boston Red Sox star and two-time World Series champion watched proudly as his son delivered the biggest game of his young career.

Ramirez said he expected something special from Lucas, praising the work ethic the young player has shown throughout the year.

Seeing his son shine on such a stage—against one of the strongest teams in the tournament—made the moment even sweeter.

Why Lucas Ramirez Plays for Brazil

Lucas Ramirez wears his father’s famous No. 24 jersey, but he represents Brazil due to his mother, Juliana, who was born in Sao Paulo.

She attended the game and celebrated proudly after his first-inning homer sailed into the stands.

Although Brazil is not traditionally known as a baseball powerhouse, the country has been gradually growing its presence in the sport, particularly through international tournaments like the World Baseball Classic.

A Young Prospect Still Developing

Ramirez is still early in his professional career.

He was selected in the 17th round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels.

Last season, he played in Class-A minor league baseball, hitting .266 with three home runs, 30 RBIs, and six stolen bases.

He also contributed during Brazil’s 2026 World Baseball Classic qualifiers, going 5-for-13 at the plate.

Other Baseball Legacies on Brazil’s Roster

Ramirez wasn’t the only player with famous baseball bloodlines representing Brazil.

Joseph Contreras, the son of former New York Yankees pitcher Jose Contreras, delivered a key moment by forcing Aaron Judge into a bases-loaded double play earlier in the game.

Meanwhile, Dante Bichette Jr.—whose father starred for the Colorado Rockies—also appeared in the lineup.

What’s Next in the Tournament

Team USA will continue its campaign with another matchup in Houston against Great Britain.

The Americans are expected to send Tarik Skubal to the mound.

Great Britain’s roster includes exciting talent such as Jazz Chisholm Jr., who was born in Nassau.

Impact and Consequences

While Team USA secured a comfortable victory, Brazil’s performance could have lasting effects.

Lucas Ramirez’s breakout showing introduces him to a global audience and may boost his development within the Angels organization.

For Brazil, the competitive display highlights the growing influence of baseball outside traditional powerhouses like the United States, Japan, and the Dominican Republic.

These moments help grow the sport internationally and inspire new talent in emerging baseball nations.

What’s Next

Lucas Ramirez will likely return to the minor leagues after the tournament, but performances like this can accelerate a prospect’s development.

Scouts and analysts will watch closely to see whether he can build on the confidence gained from hitting two homers against elite pitching.

Meanwhile, Team USA remains one of the favorites to win the World Baseball Classic, thanks to its deep roster of MLB stars.

Summary

Brazil may have lost the game, but Lucas Ramirez created one of the most memorable moments of the tournament’s opening day.

The young slugger delivered two home runs against Team USA, showcasing his potential while making his father Manny proud.

The Americans ultimately dominated late to secure the win, but the night proved that baseball’s next generation—and its expanding global reach—can produce surprises on the biggest stages.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Lucas Ramirez, son of MLB legend Manny Ramirez, hit two home runs for Brazil against Team USA.

• The homers came against pitchers Logan Webb and Gabe Speier in Houston.

• Team USA ultimately won 15–5 after scoring seven runs in the ninth inning.

• Ramirez represents Brazil through his mother, who was born in Sao Paulo.

• The young prospect was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2024.

• Brazil’s roster also featured players with MLB family ties such as Joseph Contreras and Dante Bichette Jr.

• Team USA next faces Great Britain as the World Baseball Classic continues.