Great Britain’s World Baseball Classic debut ended in defeat at the hands of defending champions USA.
Trayce Thompson’s home run in the first innings had given the debutants a quick-fire 1-0 lead but the hosts would soon take control.
Nolan Arenado and Kyle Schwarber would duly respond with three hits and three home runs respectively as the US took a commanding 6-1 lead at Phoenix’s Chase Field.
D’Shawn Knowles later scored from Anfernee Seymour’s groundout in the seventh to make the score 6-2 in the Pool C clash.
It is the first time a British side has reached the tournament, with qualification for what is effectively baseball’s World Cup reportedly worth around six times the annual income of the GB governing body.
LA Dodgers outfielder Thompson is the biggest name in the British roster and his teammates celebrated his history-making home run by dressing him in a crown and robe.
"We were excited, that’s a great moment for us," said Great Britain manager Drew Spencer.
They are next in action against Canada at 7pm GMT on Sunday.
