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Italy Clinches Pool B, Sends Team USA to WBC Quarterfinal vs. Canada

Italy's 9-1 win over Mexico resolved a complex tiebreaker threat to the favored U.S.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 10: Team United States looks on from the dugout in the fifth inning against Team Italy during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park on March 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Italy routed Mexico 9-1 at Houston's Daikin Park to complete a 4-0 sweep of Pool B.
  • The result advanced Team USA as pool runner-up at 3-1 and eliminated Mexico at 2-2.
  • The outcome removed the risk of a three-team RA/DOUT tiebreaker that could have ousted the Americans.
  • Italy captain Vinnie Pasquantino hit three home runs, a WBC first, and Aaron Nola delivered five scoreless innings.
  • Team USA draws Canada in a single-elimination quarterfinal in Houston on Friday night, with manager Mark DeRosa facing scrutiny after saying he "misspoke" about qualification before the Italy loss.