Italy Beats Mexico, Faces Puerto Rico in WBC Quarterfinals | Seth Lugo to Pitch

HOUSTON, TX – Italy secured a quarterfinal matchup against Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic after a dominant 9-1 victory over Mexico on Wednesday. The win propels Italy, a surprising force in the tournament, into a clash with Puerto Rico on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. At Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros.

The game will see Puerto Rico send right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo to the mound. Lugo, who currently pitches for the Kansas City Royals, has previously played for the New York Mets and San Diego Padres. He was a 2024 All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner and was part of a combined no-hitter in 2022 while with the Mets. His presence on the mound is crucial for Puerto Rico as they aim to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2017.

Italy’s path to the quarterfinals was highlighted by an impressive showing in the Group B stage, finishing undefeated with a 4-0 record. Their victory over Mexico was fueled by a historic performance from Vinni Pasquantino, who became the first player in World Baseball Classic history to hit three home runs in a single game. The win also secured a spot in the second round for the United States (3-1), while eliminating Mexico (2-2).

The United States will face Canada on Friday at 7:00 p.m., with the winners of both the Puerto Rico-Italy and USA-Canada games advancing to the semifinals in Miami.

Puerto Rico finished second in Group A with a 3-1 record, their only loss coming against Canada on Tuesday, a close 3-2 contest. This will be the third meeting between Puerto Rico and Italy in the history of the tournament. Puerto Rico holds a 2-0 advantage in previous matchups, winning 4-3 in the second round in 2013 and 9-3 in the opening round in 2017.

Puerto Rico, managed by Yadier Molina, was eliminated in the quarterfinals in 2023, losing to Mexico in Miami. They are seeking to reach the semifinals for the first time since their strong showing in 2017, when they finished as runners-up – a feat they also achieved in 2013. The team boasts a history of success in the tournament, having twice finished as the tournament’s runner-up.

Italy’s performance throughout the tournament has been a major surprise. Their upset victory over the United States on Tuesday, an 8-6 win, signaled their potential as a serious contender. The Italian roster features a blend of experienced players and rising stars, including coach Jorge Posada and outfielder Jac Caglianone, who has roots in Puerto Rico.

Beyond Pasquantino and Caglianone, Italy’s roster includes infielder Jon Berti and pitchers Aaron Nola, Michael Lorenzen, Greg Weissert, Ron Marinaccio, and veteran Adam Ottavino. Nola earned the win against Mexico, while Lorenzen secured the victory against the United States.

Italy opened the tournament with an 8-0 victory over Brazil, starting left-handed pitcher Sam Aldegheri. Aldegheri is with the Los Angeles Angels organization and could be available to start against Puerto Rico, having had sufficient rest. Italy followed up their opening win with a 7-4 victory over Great Britain before their stunning upset of the United States.

The upcoming quarterfinal promises to be a compelling contest between a seasoned Puerto Rican team seeking a return to the semifinals and a surging Italian squad looking to continue their improbable run in the World Baseball Classic. Lugo’s performance on the mound will be pivotal for Puerto Rico, while Italy will appear to replicate the offensive firepower they displayed against Mexico, led by Pasquantino’s historic performance.