Vinnie Pasquantino Sparks Buzz After Memorable Postgame Interview

Italy's captain delivers historic 3-homer performance to punch ticket to quarterfinals and secure Team USA's spot

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Kansas City Royals first baseman and Team Italy captain Vinnie Pasquantino delivered a historic 3-home-run performance in Italy's 9-1 win over Mexico at the World Baseball Classic, punching Italy's ticket to the quarterfinals and securing Team USA's spot in the next round. Following the win, Pasquantino gave a memorable and viral postgame interview, thanking Team USA and joking with his Royals teammate Bobby Witt Jr.

Why it matters

Pasquantino's breakout performance has turned Italy into an underdog story at the WBC, defying expectations and now advancing to the quarterfinals. His interview also sparked buzz and interest around the tournament, which will now see a high-profile quarterfinal matchup between Team USA and Canada.

The details

Pasquantino was hitless through Italy's first 3 games, but exploded for 3 home runs in Wednesday's 9-1 win over Mexico. This not only clinched Italy's spot in the quarterfinals, but also secured Team USA's advancement from the pool. In his postgame interview, Pasquantino thanked Team USA for rooting for Italy, saying 'You're welcome, USA. We were thinking of you guys over at your hotel. We were thinking of you guys, so glad you guys can join us in the party.' He also joked with his Royals teammate Bobby Witt Jr., saying 'I'm hoping he's got a room key for me at his hotel.'

  • Pasquantino was hitless through Italy's first 3 games of the World Baseball Classic.
  • Italy defeated Mexico 9-1 on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic will be played on Friday, March 13, 2026 and Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Vinnie Pasquantino

A first baseman for the Kansas City Royals and the captain of Team Italy at the World Baseball Classic.

Bobby Witt Jr.

A shortstop for the Kansas City Royals and Pasquantino's teammate.

Team USA

The United States national baseball team, which secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic thanks to Italy's win over Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“I'm caffeinated. I'm beaned up right now.”

— Vinnie Pasquantino (SI.com)

“That was unbelievable, huh? You're welcome, USA. We were thinking of you guys over at your hotel. We were thinking of you guys, so glad you guys can join us in the party.”

— Vinnie Pasquantino (SI.com)

“I'm hoping he's got a room key for me at his hotel. That's what I'm hoping for.”

— Vinnie Pasquantino (SI.com)

What’s next

Team USA will face the top seed from Pool A, Canada, in the quarterfinals on Friday, March 13, 2026. Italy will take on Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Both games will be played at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.

The takeaway

Vinnie Pasquantino's breakout performance and viral postgame interview have turned Italy into an underdog story at the World Baseball Classic, defying expectations and advancing to the quarterfinals. This sets up an intriguing quarterfinal matchup between Team USA and Canada, as both teams look to prove themselves in the later stages of the tournament.