All articles tagged with #italy baseball
Ronald Acuña Jr. sparked a seventh-inning rally as Venezuela beat Italy 4-2 to reach the World Baseball Classic final, with Maikel García and Luis Arraez delivering RBI hits. Venezuela advances to its first-ever WBC final to face the United States, who are bidding for a second title after winning in 2017 and finishing runner-up in 2023, as Acuña's performance anchors a historic Venezuelan run.
Italy will start Aaron Nola in the World Baseball Classic semifinal against Venezuela, replacing Michael Lorenzen. The move keeps Lorenzen available for a potential rematch with the U.S. in the final and could see both pitchers used in the semifinal or a bullpen approach if needed.
In the World Baseball Classic, Italy leverages a largely Italian-American roster to stun Team USA 8-6, led by captain Vinnie Pasquantino’s three homers and a playful celebration of national ties.
USA Baseball’s hopes to reach the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals are suddenly in jeopardy after an 8-6 loss to Italy. Their fate now rests on Wednesday’s Italy-Mexico result or a favorable tiebreaker: if Italy beats Mexico, USA advances; if Mexico beats Italy and scores at least five runs, USA and Mexico advance; if Mexico wins by four runs or fewer, Italy and Mexico advance and USA is out. Manager Mark DeRosa and Aaron Judge voiced frustration but accepted the situation as they wait and root for the needed outcomes, while Italy’s Michael Lorenzen delivered 4.2 scoreless innings in the upset and Italy’s lineup provided punch. If USA does advance, they’ll play a Friday quarterfinal against Puerto Rico, Canada, or Cuba.