Watch: Stanton demolishes 2-run homer to give USA lead

The real Giancarlo Stanton finally stood up for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic, and not a moment too soon.

After Brandon Crawford reached base on a two-out single off Dominican Republic starter Ervin Santana, Stanton stepped into the box Saturday. The ball promptly left the ballpark, nearly breaking a window in the Western Metal Supply Co. building in Petco Park's left field and giving the United States a 4-2 lead.

The ball had an exit velocity of 117.3 mph, the fourth-hardest-hit home run since Statcast started keeping track - in MLB or otherwise. Two of those home runs with a higher velocity attached also belong to Stanton.

Stanton was 1-for-10 entering the game. Through four innings, he's 2-for-2 with a single and the mammoth home run. He chased Santana from the game with the crushing blow.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)