Pete Crow-Armstrong's Clutch Homer Fuels Team USA WBC Comeback Bid

The Chicago Cubs star's three-run blast against Italy keeps Team USA's World Baseball Classic hopes alive.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Despite a disappointing second half of the 2025 MLB season, Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong injected new life into Team USA's World Baseball Classic campaign with a clutch three-run homer against Italy. Trailing 8-1 in the seventh inning, Crow-Armstrong's 377-foot blast gave the American squad hope of mounting a comeback in the high-stakes tournament.

Why it matters

Crow-Armstrong's heroics come at a crucial moment for Team USA, which is looking to bounce back from an early deficit and advance in the World Baseball Classic. As one of the rising stars in Major League Baseball, Crow-Armstrong's performance could inspire his teammates and galvanize fan support for the American squad.

The details

With two outs in the seventh inning and Team USA trailing Italy 8-1, Crow-Armstrong stepped up to the plate and delivered a towering three-run home run that traveled 377 feet. The clutch blast gave the American team a glimmer of hope in the high-stakes tournament, as they look to overcome the large deficit and keep their World Baseball Classic dreams alive.

  • The game between Team USA and Italy took place on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Pete Crow-Armstrong

A rising star center fielder for the Chicago Cubs who is representing Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Team USA

The United States national baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Italy

The national baseball team of Italy, who are facing off against Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“We must not give up. Crow-Armstrong's homer gives us a chance to come back and win this game.”

— Mike Trout, Team USA Manager (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

Team USA will need to continue their comeback effort in the remaining innings of the game against Italy to keep their World Baseball Classic hopes alive.

The takeaway

Pete Crow-Armstrong's clutch three-run homer has reignited Team USA's World Baseball Classic campaign, demonstrating the young star's ability to deliver in high-pressure situations and provide a much-needed spark for his national team.