Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is optimistic about Team USA's prospects in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), drawing motivation from the success of American athletes at the Winter Olympics in Milan. With Team USA having secured a record number of gold medals at the Games, including notable wins for both men’s and women’s hockey teams against Canada, Skenes believes this momentum can translate into success on the baseball field.

As a participant in the WBC, which kicks off on March 5, Skenes is joined by other renowned players such as Aaron Judge and Tarik Skubal. He emphasizes the responsibility of American athletes to maintain a winning tradition, suggesting that their recent Olympic achievements provide the impetus needed for asserting dominance over their rivals in international competition. His comments underline a collective belief among U.S. athletes to represent their country valiantly on the world stage.

Skenes’ remarks not only reflect personal aspirations but also encapsulate the broader sentiment within the U.S. sports community. The emphasis on dominance is indicative of the competitive spirit inherent in American sports, and the anticipation for the WBC has been heightened by the recent triumphs in other sports. Skenes is eager to contribute to this effort and believes that with the current talent on the roster, Team USA is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament.