Houston.
The Puerto Rico national team bids farewell to the 2026 World Baseball Classic after an 8-6 defeat against Italy in the quarterfinals, a vibrant match witnessed by more than 30 thousand fans at Daikin Park.
The Puerto Rican team fought to come back in the final innings, but failed to complete the comeback and bids farewell to the tournament in this round for the second consecutive edition, after also being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the previous tournament.
Italy, for its part, celebrates a historic qualification to the semifinals with a perfect 5-0 record and prepares for its next challenge in Miami, at loanDepot Park.
Puerto Rico started strong, taking the lead in the first inning thanks to a solo home run by Willi Castro, which ignited the passion in the stands. However, the Italian offense responded quickly, punishing starting pitcher Seth Lugo and scoring four runs in the same inning to take control of the game.
The European team extended their lead in the fourth inning with another offensive attack, including productive doubles that put them ahead 8-2.
When the game seemed defined, Puerto Rico reacted in the eighth inning. Consecutive singles by Carlos Cortés and Christian Vázquez, among other plays, brought the Boricuas closer 8-6, returning excitement to the stadium.
However, the Italian relief held the offense in the ninth inning, securing the victory and the historic pass to the semifinals.
This game also marked the end of the professional career of Puerto Rican catcher Martín Maldonado, who announced his retirement after 15 seasons in the Major Leagues.
The Puerto Rican national team, managed by Yadier Molina, competed in the tournament despite the absence of several of its key figures such as Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and José Berríos.
With this victory, Italy continues its surprising path in the World Baseball Classic, while Puerto Rico ends its participation after a match where the hope of a comeback was maintained until the last out.
