Italy helped Team USA punch its ticket to the knockout stages of the World Baseball Classic with a win over Mexico on Wednesday.
The star-studded American team, featuring big hitters such as Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes, was left facing the risk of elimination from the tournament at the group stage on Wednesday.
The USA suffered an 8-6 defeat to Italy in Pool B on Wednesday night, which left them relying on the Italians to replicate the feat against Mexico on Wednesday in order to sneak through to the knockout round.
With the fate of Mark DeRosa’s players resting in the hands of the very team that humiliated them just one day earlier, the Italians handed them a lifeline and helped send them through to the quarterfinals.
As Italy sealed a commanding 9-1 win over Mexico, the Americans, who boast one of the most star-packed WBC rosters in years, snuck through and narrowly avoided embarrassment.
Vinnie Pasquantino made World Baseball Classic history when he hit his third home run in the top of the eighth inning, recording the first three-home-run game ever at the tournament.
A narrow Mexico win would’ve sent the Americans packing. Instead, they’re moving on and will face northern neighbor Canada in the quarterfinals on Friday in Houston.
Italy, which finished atop Pool B with a sterling 4-0 record, will play Puerto Rico in its quarterfinal matchup on Saturday.
More to follow.
