Overview
- Italy beat Mexico 9-1 in Houston to advance, powered by the World Baseball Classic’s first three-homer game.
- Captain Vinnie Pasquantino broke out after starting the tournament 0-for-12 at the plate.
- Manager Francisco Cervelli kept faith with his slugger and shifted him to the cleanup spot, calling him too important to sit.
- Team Italy’s run has featured espresso celebrations, affectionate greetings and other displays of Italian identity.
- Italy faces Puerto Rico next in the quarterfinals in Houston.