Overview
- Italy routed Mexico 9-1 as captain Vinnie Pasquantino hit three home runs, the first three-homer game in World Baseball Classic history, with Aaron Nola delivering five scoreless innings.
- Italy finished the group 4-0, becoming the first European team to win all four group games at the tournament and advancing as group winner.
- One day earlier in Houston, Italy stunned the United States 8-6 after racing to an 8-0 lead behind starter Michael Lorenzen and home runs by Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci and Jac Caglianone.
- Reliever Greg Weissert ended the U.S. comeback by striking out Aaron Judge for the final out in the ninth inning.
- Italy now plays Puerto Rico in Saturday’s quarterfinal in Houston, while the United States advances as group runner-up after being spared elimination by Italy’s win over Mexico.