Italy Stuns USA at WBC: Lorenzen Shines in Historic Upset

Daikin Park (Houston) — In a stunning upset that reverberates through the World Baseball Classic, Italy defeated the United States 8-6 on Tuesday night. Jac Caglianone, the Kansas City Royals prospect, punctuated Italy’s offensive explosion with his third home run of the game in the fourth inning, a moment celebrated with an Armani jacket, a shot of espresso, and the traditional due baci greeting from teammate Vinnie Pasquantino.

The victory, arguably the biggest in Italian baseball history, throws the USA’s chances of advancing out of Pool B into jeopardy. Italy manager Francisco Cervelli called it “one of the best days of my life.”

Behind Lorenzen’s Gem, Italy Gets Its Biggest Baseball Win Ever

Italy’s triumph wasn’t solely built on power hitting. Starter Michael Lorenzen delivered a masterful 4.2 scoreless innings, baffling a lineup brimming with All-Stars. He mixed speeds and quadrants, utilizing at least seven different pitches and inducing swings and misses on six of them. Lorenzen departed only after reaching his allotted 65-pitch limit, leaving the American offense stunned and searching for answers.

The U.S. Offense, which had sputtered after a five-run outburst against Mexico on Monday, remained largely silent until Gunnar Henderson’s solo home run in the sixth inning. That brief spark proved insufficient to overcome Italy’s early lead.

This represents Italy’s second appearance in the WBC quarterfinals, and this victory over the USA is unlike anything the program has experienced before. It stands as one of the biggest upsets in tournament history.

Long Ball Bites USA’s McLean

The spotlight was on Nolan McLean, the New York Mets’ top pitching prospect, making only his eighth MLB start. McLean began impressively, striking out the side in the first inning with a fastball consistently in the high-90s, complemented by a sharp sweeper and a devastating curveball.

Still, Italy’s lineup, particularly its contingent of players from the Chicago White Sox organization, quickly adjusted. Kyle Teel launched a first-pitch fastball over the fence for a solo home run in the second inning. Two batters later, Sam Antonacci followed suit, sending a heater 403 feet to right field. Both home runs came against McLean.

The early barrage set the tone for an Italian team that continued to apply pressure throughout the game.

Prospects, MLB Novices Carrying Italy’s Electric Offense

While Vinnie Pasquantino provides a recognizable presence, Italy’s offensive surge is being fueled by a wave of promising prospects and players new to the major leagues. Dante Nori, a 2024 first-round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies, was 5-for-7 with two home runs and a double through the first two games of the tournament. Andrew Fischer, a 2025 first-round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers, added a home run in his single game played.

On Tuesday, Antonacci, Teel, and Caglianone delivered the key blows, with the Nos. 6-8 hitters in Italy’s lineup going 6-for-8 with three home runs and five RBI. Pasquantino praised the confidence and talent of these young players.

“For the most part, that’s who’s done most of the damage on offense,” Pasquantino said. “It’s been great to see the confidence that they have. Fischer is a treat, the way he carries himself. He’s awesome. Dante Nori is awesome. Sam Antonacci is awesome. I can’t say enough good things about these guys. It makes me sense old saying this, the game’s in good hands, like with some of the guys coming up that I’ve been able to get to know the past few days, past week.”

PCA’s Two Late Homers Not Enough — But Could Still Matter

Despite the loss, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s two late home runs offered a glimmer of hope for the U.S. However, the team’s early struggles and the runs allowed could prove costly in the event of a tiebreaker. The U.S. Allowed eight runs, a factor that could approach into play if Pool B ends in a three-way tie.

Crow-Armstrong’s second home run, a shot to the second deck in right field, cut the lead to 8-6 in the ninth inning. But Greg Weissert extinguished the rally by striking out Aaron Judge with a runner on base.

What’s Next?

The fate of Pool B now rests on Wednesday’s matchup between Italy, and Mexico. The U.S. Has completed its pool play schedule and will advance if Italy defeats Mexico or if Mexico scores at least five runs. If Mexico wins and holds Italy to fewer than five runs, a tiebreaker scenario will determine the two teams that advance to the quarterfinals, with the team that allowed the most runs being eliminated.