Italy shocks U.S. 8-6, reshaping World Baseball Classic fate

Italy stunned the United States 8-6 in Houston, jumping out to an early lead behind homers from Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci and Jac Caglianone and holding on as Clint Weissert struck out Aaron Judge to seal the win. The loss leaves the U.S. needing Mexico to beat Italy to guarantee a spot in the quarterfinals (with a possible tiebreaker if Mexico wins). Pete Crow-Armstrong homered twice and drove in four for the U.S., while Lorenzen worked 4 2/3 scoreless innings for Italy. The piece also notes Japan’s group-clinching 9-0 win over the Czech Republic, Israel’s 6-2 victory over the Netherlands, and Canada’s 3-2 win over Puerto Rico, all affecting other groups in the tournament.