Jack Hughes Sent Special Gift To USA Baseball On Tuesday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 3:23 PM ET

NHL star Jack Hughes sent a special gift to the USA baseball team ahead of Tuesday's final for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The United States punched its ticket to the final by defeating the Dominican Republic in the semifinals 2-1. Paul Skenes set the tone for Team USA by giving up one run in over four innings worth of work. As for the starting lineup, Roman Anthony and Gunnar Henderson provided the run support with solo homers. The bullpen, which was anchored by David Bednar and Mason Miller, then slammed the door shut on the Dominican Republic's star-studded lineup.

“This is what you dream about as a kid, playing with the best of the best," Team USA captain Aaron Judge said. "We've got the best squad out there. They've got the best squad out there. It's what you play when you're in your backyard playing Wiffle Ball. It’s moments like this you dream about."

Mar 9, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States outfielder Aaron Judge (99) warms up before the game against Mexico at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

It was revealed Tuesday afternoon that Team USA will show up to the World Baseball Classic wearing the U.S. men's hockey team's jerseys from the Olympics.

Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong said he contacted Jack Hughes for their game-worn jerseys.

"I just wanted to rep my guy Hughes," Crow-Armstrong said. "We just want to continue the trend of winning out here in the U.S. and let those guys know they inspired us a little bit."

The USA baseball team will wear the USA men's hockey team's Olympics jerseys to tonight's World Baseball Classic final.

Pete Crow-Armstrong contacted Jack Hughes for the game-worn sweaters.

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Who is favored for tonight's game?

The United States is favored (-265) to defeat Venezuela in the final this Tuesday. ESPN's Alden Gonzalez believes this game will be decided by Team USA's bullpen.

"The bullpen has to continue to step up," Gonzalez wrote. "That was the key to the United States beating the Dominican Republic in the semifinals, with Tyler Rogers, David Bednar and Mason Miller weaving out of trouble in the middle and late innings. Given the competition, this final game will probably stay close. Nolan McLean's inexperience and recent struggles probably mean the bullpen will have to cover a good chunk of it. And it might have to do so without Miller, the game's best closer, who would be pitching for the fourth time in a span of eight days."

First pitch is set for 8 p.m. ET on FOX.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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