"The Americans' loss to Italy on Tuesday, a stunning 8-6 defeat, left their WBC fortunes depending on the outcome of the final game of Pool B. An Italy win guaranteed Team USA a spot in the knockout round, and the Italians obliged, led by the first three-home run game in WBC history by captain Vinnie Pasquantino and five shutout innings from ace Aaron Nola."
"Comprised of young, talented Italian-Americans -- most in the big leagues, some top prospects in the upper minors -- Italy blitzed Mexico with a second-inning solo home run from Pasquantino, a fourth-inning shot from veteran Jon Berti and a three-run fifth inning that almost guaranteed Team USA would advance."
"Pasquantino, the Kansas City Royals' slugging first baseman and one of the chief recruiters for the Italian team, made it moot. Entering the game hitless in 12 at-bats, he homered again in the sixth inning and blasted his third shot of the night over the right-field fence to stretch Italy's lead to 8-1."
Team USA secured advancement to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals following Italy's 9-1 victory over Mexico in the final Pool B game. The Americans' earlier 8-6 loss to Italy had placed their tournament survival in jeopardy, making them dependent on an Italian win. Italy's dominant performance featured captain Vinnie Pasquantino's historic three-home run game—the first in WBC history—and five shutout innings from pitcher Aaron Nola. Pasquantino, a Kansas City Royals first baseman and key Italian team recruiter, entered the game hitless in 12 at-bats before his explosive performance. Italy remained undefeated and advanced to face Puerto Rico for a semifinal berth, while Team USA will play Canada in Friday's quarterfinals.
Read at ESPN.com
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