Italy's Lorenzen, Venezuela's Montero to start WBC semi

Veteran right-handers take the mound as Italy and Venezuela meet in World Baseball Classic semifinal

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:56pm

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Michael Lorenzen, a 34-year-old right-hander, will start for Italy against Venezuela in Monday's World Baseball Classic semifinal. Keider Montero, a 25-year-old righty, will take the mound for Venezuela. Italy is making its first-ever WBC semifinal appearance, while Venezuela is looking to reach the final for the first time since 2009.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a prestigious international baseball tournament that features many of the sport's top stars. Italy's surprise run to the semifinals is an underdog story, while Venezuela is hoping to finally break through and win its first WBC title.

The details

Lorenzen, an All-Star in 2023, was 7-11 with a 4.64 ERA for the Kansas City Royals last season before signing with the Colorado Rockies. Montero made his MLB debut in 2024 with the Detroit Tigers and had a 4.37 ERA in 20 appearances last year, with three postseason outings. Italy made roster moves, replacing pitcher Dylan DeLucia and infielder Miles Mastrobuoni ahead of the semifinal.

  • The semifinal game between Italy and Venezuela will be played on Monday night.
  • If Italy wins, Aaron Nola would be lined up to start Tuesday's final against the U.S. or the Dominican Republic.

The players

Michael Lorenzen

A 34-year-old right-handed pitcher who will start for Italy in the WBC semifinal. He was an All-Star in 2023 and pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings in Italy's upset of the U.S. in the group stage.

Keider Montero

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher who will start for Venezuela in the WBC semifinal. He made his MLB debut in 2024 with the Detroit Tigers and had a 4.37 ERA in 20 appearances last year, including three in the postseason.

Francisco Cervelli

The manager of the Italian national team, who praised Lorenzen as 'the perfect guy' to start the semifinal.

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What they’re saying

“I faced him many times. This is the perfect guy.”

— Francisco Cervelli, Italy manager

What’s next

If Italy wins, Aaron Nola would be lined up to start Tuesday night's final against the U.S. or the Dominican Republic.

The takeaway

The World Baseball Classic semifinal between Italy and Venezuela features two rising pitching stars in Lorenzen and Montero, with Italy looking to continue its Cinderella run and Venezuela aiming to reach the final for the first time in over a decade.