Italy Shocks Mexico, Keeps USA’s WBC Hopes Alive with Historic Win

Team USA is heading to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but not without a significant assist from Team Italy. A stunning 9-1 victory by the Italians over Mexico on Tuesday secured their perfect 4-0 record in Pool B and, crucially, kept the Americans’ tournament hopes alive after a shocking upset earlier in the week.

The path to the quarterfinals wasn’t straightforward for the star-studded American squad. A loss to Italy on Monday night – an 8-6 defeat that sent shockwaves through the tournament – left Team USA needing a favorable outcome from the Italy-Mexico matchup. Italy delivered, and now the U.S. Will face Team Canada, winners of Pool A, on March 13th at Daikin Park in Houston.

Pasquantino’s Historic Performance Seals Italy’s Fate

Vinnie Pasquantino, the captain of the Italian team and a key player for the Kansas City Royals, was the driving force behind Tuesday’s win. Entering the contest without a single hit in three games, Pasquantino exploded for three solo home runs – a first in World Baseball Classic history. Fox News highlighted the significance of his performance, noting how it flipped the momentum and sealed the victory for Italy.

Pasquantino’s first homer came in the top of the second inning, a 342-foot shot to right field. He added another in the sixth, a towering drive down the right-field line. His third, in the eighth, completed the historic feat and cemented Italy’s dominance. The celebration, complete with the team’s signature “espresso” gesture, has quickly grow a fan favorite throughout the tournament.

A Shaky Start for the “Dream Team”

The loss to Italy on Monday was a major setback for Team USA, who had previously broken a 20-year drought against Mexico with a 5-3 victory. That game featured dominant pitching from Paul Skenes and home runs from Aaron Judge and Roman Anthony, as detailed in reports from Sporting News. However, that momentum failed to carry over against a determined Italian team.

Italy jumped out to an 8-0 lead by the middle of the sixth inning, led by a powerful offense featuring Pasquantino and Sam Antonacci. Whereas Pete Crow-Armstrong attempted a late-inning rally with two home runs, the U.S. Comeback fell short. The Sporting News box score revealed the extent of the offensive struggles for the Americans, with several key hitters failing to deliver.

Pool B Standings and Tiebreaker Scenarios

With both teams now at 3-1, the Pool B standings became increasingly complex. Italy’s win over Mexico secured their spot at the top of the pool with a perfect 4-0 record. Team USA, at 3-1, faced uncertainty regarding their quarterfinal bracket placement – or even their advancement at all. As CBS Sports explained, the tiebreaker scenarios loomed large.

The situation hinged on the outcome of the Italy-Mexico game. An Italy win would drop Mexico to 2-2, simplifying the path for Team USA. However, a Mexico win would create a three-way tie at 3-1, triggering a complicated tiebreaker procedure. Italy’s victory eliminated that possibility and secured Team USA’s place in the quarterfinals.

Italy’s Unexpected Run

Italy’s success in the 2026 World Baseball Classic has been one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. Their blend of veteran players and top prospects, combined with a potent offense, has made them a formidable opponent. The team’s fun-loving atmosphere, exemplified by the espresso celebration, has also resonated with fans. Beyond Pasquantino, Jon Berti also contributed with a home run against Mexico, utilizing the unique dimensions of the left-field Crawford boxes.

Veteran pitcher Aaron Nola, of the Philadelphia Phillies, also played a key role in Italy’s win over Mexico, tossing five innings and allowing just four hits. His performance underscored the team’s ability to combine offensive firepower with strong pitching.

What’s Next for Team USA

Team USA will now turn their attention to their quarterfinal matchup against Team Canada on March 13th. The game will be played at Daikin Park in Houston, and the Americans will be looking to regain their form after the early scare in Pool B. The team will need to tighten up their pitching and discover more consistent offensive production if they hope to advance further in the tournament. The quarterfinal game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, offering a prime-time opportunity for the U.S. To demonstrate their championship potential.