Houston.
The Puerto Rico team said goodbye to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, after a close quarter-final match against Italy, which ended with a score of 8-6. The match, witnessed by more than 30 thousand fans at Daikin Park, marked the end of the Puerto Rican participation in the tournament.
The Puerto Rican team fought to come back in the final innings, but failed to complete the comeback, being eliminated in this phase for the second consecutive edition.
Italy, for its part, secured its place in the semifinals with a perfect 5-0 record and is preparing to play its next match in Miami, at loanDepot Park.
Puerto Rico took the lead in the first inning thanks to a solo home run by Willi Castro, which unleashed euphoria among those present. However, the Italian offense responded strongly, punishing starting pitcher Seth Lugo and scoring four runs in the same inning, taking control of the game.
The Italian advantage widened in the fourth inning, with an offense that included productive doubles, establishing a score of 8-2.
When it seemed the game was decided, 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 their 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 team, led by Yadier Molina, competed in the tournament despite the absence of key figures such as Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and José Berríos.
With this victory, Italy continues its surprising trajectory 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.
