Falcons Represented by Jax and Skenes at World Baseball Classic
3/18/2026 9:54:00 AM | Baseball
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo., - Air Force baseball was proudly represented on the global stage by USAFA alum Griffin Jax and former Falcon Paul Skenes as members of Team USA at the World Baseball Classic from March 5–17.
Over the course of the tournament, Skenes made two starts and earned wins in both outings, compiling a 1.08 ERA. Across 8.1 innings pitched, he struck out nine batters while allowing just one run, emerging as a key arm in the Team USA rotation.
Jax, a 2017 Academy graduate, appeared in four games out of the bullpen, totaling 3.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts for a 0.00 ERA. The Phoenix native delivered a clean inning in the championship game against Venezuela, recording a strikeout in his final appearance.
On March 8, the Falcons had the opportunity to attend Team USA's pool play matchup against Mexico in Houston, where the United States secured a 5–3 victory. The experience was made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Air Force Recruiting and the MLB through America250 initiatives. During the game, Skenes threw four shutout innings while Jax contributed an inning-ending double play.
Following the win, both pitchers connected with the current Air Force team, sharing insight on competing at the highest level and balancing success on the field with the demands of the Academy.
Over the course of the tournament, Skenes made two starts and earned wins in both outings, compiling a 1.08 ERA. Across 8.1 innings pitched, he struck out nine batters while allowing just one run, emerging as a key arm in the Team USA rotation.
Jax, a 2017 Academy graduate, appeared in four games out of the bullpen, totaling 3.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts for a 0.00 ERA. The Phoenix native delivered a clean inning in the championship game against Venezuela, recording a strikeout in his final appearance.
On March 8, the Falcons had the opportunity to attend Team USA's pool play matchup against Mexico in Houston, where the United States secured a 5–3 victory. The experience was made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Air Force Recruiting and the MLB through America250 initiatives. During the game, Skenes threw four shutout innings while Jax contributed an inning-ending double play.
Following the win, both pitchers connected with the current Air Force team, sharing insight on competing at the highest level and balancing success on the field with the demands of the Academy.
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