"Joey Meneses on top of the world after hitting 2 home runs in Mexico's stunning Team USA upset"

Joey Meneses, a formerly obscure minor league utility player, became a national hero overnight. This was due to an unforgettable outing against his country's biggest sporting rival.

As the saying goes: "Mexico expects to beat the USA in soccer, but Mexico takes pride in beating the USA in baseball." Last night in Arizona, Meneses gave fans of Team Mexico plenty to take pride in.

Nearly 48,000 fans were at Chase Field, Arizona, watching the two Pool D competitors. The last time these two teams faced each other was in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, with Team Mexico capturing a 5-2 victory.

Things got going early after Mexican first baseman Joey Meneses took Team USA starter Nick Martinez 396 feet to left field. The two-run shot put his team ahead before the Americans could register two outs.

Although the Americans battled back to halve the lead, the Mexicans weren't done. Meneses took Kansas City Royals reliever Brady Singer deep for another 2-run shot to cap off a 4-run fourth inning from the Mexicans.

"JOEY MENESES WILL NOT BE STOPPED. #WorldBaseballClassic" - World Baseball Classic

Meneses ended the game having gone 3-for-5 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs. Mexico completed their 11-5 victory over Team USA and will play their next game against Great Britain on March 14.

Meneses, who played for 12 years in the minor leagues, was sure to relish the moment. According to USA Today writer Bob Nightengale, Meneses was spotted outside the stadium celebrating with Mexican fans following the game. When asked how he felt about being the decisive force in his country's win, he could only say:

“I have no words to describe it. It was a very beautiful sensation with a lot of adrenaline, with the stadium full."

"Joey Meneses took a couple trips around the bases in the desert. #WorldBaseballClassic" - World Baseball Classic

Joey Meneses performance punctuated one of the biggest WBC upsets so far

Despite only appearing in six MLB games, Joey Meneses got the nod to start for Team Mexico alongside some heavy-hitting big-league names at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. While much work remains to be done, he has successfully galvanized the Mexican nation behind him with one of the most pivotal wins in Mexican baseball history.

30-year old Meneses is a native of the baseball-loving state of Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico.

Joey Meneses began his career in 2011 with the Atlanta Braves, remaining in the organization through the 2017 season. After stints on several Triple-A teams and in Japan, he signed a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals. He was able to see some action this season after a trade that sent Juan Soto and Josh Bell to the San Diego Padres.