Italy Defeats Mexico, Sends Team USA to WBC Quarterfinals

Vinnie Pasquantino's historic 3-homer game lifts Italy to victory and keeps USA's World Baseball Classic hopes alive.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:53pm

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In a crucial World Baseball Classic matchup, Italy defeated Mexico 9-1 on Tuesday night in Houston. The win secured Italy's spot in the quarterfinals and also ensured that Team USA's tournament run would continue, despite the Americans' earlier loss to Italy. Vinnie Pasquantino, the Kansas City Royals star, hit three solo home runs for Italy, becoming the first player in WBC history to accomplish that feat in a single game. The victory eliminated Mexico from the tournament, while Team USA will now face Canada in the quarterfinals.

Why it matters

Italy's win over Mexico was a major boost for Team USA, whose World Baseball Classic hopes were in jeopardy after their earlier loss to Italy. The result keeps the star-studded American squad alive in the tournament, setting up a high-stakes quarterfinal matchup with Canada. The game also featured a historic individual performance from Vinnie Pasquantino, further cementing Italy as one of the surprise teams of the 2026 WBC.

The details

Pasquantino, who had been hitless through Italy's first three games, broke out in a big way against Mexico. He belted three solo home runs, including shots in the 2nd, 6th, and 8th innings. Italy also got a two-run single from Jakob Marsee in the 5th inning to build a 7-0 lead. Mexico threatened with the bases loaded and no outs in the 7th, but could only manage one run. Pasquantino's third homer then sealed the victory for Italy.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 12, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
  • Italy secured the Pool B title with their 4-0 record in the tournament.
  • Team USA will face Canada in the quarterfinals on March 13, 2026 at 8pm ET.

The players

Vinnie Pasquantino

A star player for the Kansas City Royals who hit three solo home runs to power Italy to victory.

Aaron Nola

The veteran Philadelphia Phillies pitcher who tossed 5 innings of 4-hit, 5-strikeout ball for Italy.

Jakob Marsee

A Miami Marlins outfielder who delivered a key 2-run single for Italy in the 5th inning.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Team USA will face Canada in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic on March 13, 2026 at 8pm ET.

The takeaway

Italy's victory over Mexico not only kept their own World Baseball Classic hopes alive, but also saved the tournament aspirations of the star-studded Team USA squad. The game featured a historic individual performance from Vinnie Pasquantino, further cementing Italy as one of the surprise teams of the 2026 WBC.