Italy Shocks the United States in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
HOUSTON – The Italian baseball team has surprised in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, defeating the United States with a score of 8-6. This crucial triumph positions Italy as the leader of Group B.
The Italian team demonstrated striking offensive power from the first innings, building a lead that, although challenged, managed to maintain against the strong American offense in the match held in Houston.
The Italian offense stood out thanks to home runs by Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci, and Jac Caglianone. In addition, starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen had a dominant performance for 4.2 innings, controlling the opposing lineup.
Teel and Antonacci fueled the offense in the second inning, establishing a 3-0 lead on the scoreboard. Caglianone extended the lead in the fourth inning with a two-run home run. Later, a three-run rally in the sixth inning increased the difference to a surprising 8-0.
The United States reacted late. Gunnar Henderson scored the first run for the Americans with a solo home run in the sixth inning, followed by a three-run homer by Pete Crow-Armstrong in the seventh, bringing the score closer to 8-4.
In the eighth inning, a single by Roman Anthony reduced the deficit, and Crow-Armstrong connected on another home run in the ninth, leaving the score at 8-6.
With two outs in the last inning, the tie was close to being reached with Aaron Judge, captain of the United States, at the plate, but Italian reliever Greg Weissert secured the victory with a strikeout.
With this result, Italy is in a favorable position to win Group B. If they beat Mexico in their next match, they will advance to the quarterfinals as group leader with a perfect 4-0 record.
