Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino powers Italy to early lead over Mexico in WBC

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Vinnie Pasquantino, a 28-year-old first baseman for the Kansas City Royals, has powered Italy to an early lead over Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Pasquantino, who has Italian heritage, hit two solo home runs to give Italy a 7-0 lead by the seventh inning. His performance is helping both his MLB team, the Royals, and his heritage team, Italy, advance in the tournament.

Why it matters

Pasquantino's performance is significant because he is helping both his MLB team, the Royals, and his heritage team, Italy, advance in the World Baseball Classic. As an Italian-American player, his success is a feel-good story that highlights the global reach of baseball and the diversity of talent in the sport.

The details

Pasquantino, who was born in Richmond, Virginia and attended James River High School, has spent his entire MLB career with the Kansas City Royals. He made his debut in 2022 and has since become one of the team's top sluggers, hitting 32 home runs and driving in 113 RBIs in 2025. Pasquantino's eligibility to play for Italy in the World Baseball Classic is due to his Italian heritage, and he has been named a team captain for the Italians in 2026.

• Pasquantino hit his first solo home run in the early innings of the Italy-Mexico matchup on March 11, 2026.
• He hit his second solo home run later in the game, helping Italy build a 7-0 lead by the seventh inning.

What’s next

If Italy wins the matchup against Mexico, it would help both Italy and the United States advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.