Italy's Pasquantino Hits 3 Homers, Sends Team USA to WBC Quarters

Vinnie Pasquantino stepped up to the plate having gone 0 for 12 in the World Baseball Classic, but Wednesday night in Mexico, he made history that saved two nations' championship dreams.

The Italian American slugger launched three home runs against Mexico, becoming the first player ever to hit three homers in a single WBC game. His performance powered Italy to a dominant 9-1 victory that sent both Italy and Team USA into the quarterfinals.

Italy's win was crucial for the Americans, who were sweating after losing to Italy 8-6 the night before. The U.S. needed Mexico to lose to keep their tournament alive, and Pasquantino delivered in spectacular fashion.

After struggling at the start of the tournament, Pasquantino found his groove at exactly the right moment. He homered in the second inning, then again in the sixth, and capped his historic night with a third shot in the eighth inning.

Between each home run, Pasquantino celebrated with an espresso shot from Italy's dugout coffee machine. The caffeinated tradition has become the team's signature celebration, a perfect nod to their heritage.

Italy's Aaron Nola dominated on the mound, striking out five batters across five scoreless innings. Jon Berti added another homer to help Italy build an early lead that Mexico never threatened.

The Ripple Effect

Italy's victory carries meaning beyond one game. The team went 4-0 in pool play, a remarkable achievement considering no other European team had ever won more than two WBC games in a row before this tournament.

For Mexico, the loss stings even deeper. The team that finished third in the 2023 tournament and nearly reached the finals has now been eliminated from qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on home soil.

Meanwhile, Italy advances to face Puerto Rico in Houston on Saturday, while Team USA gets a second chance when they play Canada on Friday. Canada also made history Wednesday, advancing past the WBC first round for the first time ever with a 7-2 win over Cuba.

Pasquantino's performance shows how quickly fortunes can change in tournament play. One player having one special night created a ripple that kept multiple teams' dreams alive and made history along the way.

Italy now heads to the quarterfinals for the third time in WBC history, proving that baseball excellence knows no borders and that every player gets their moment to shine.