Team USA Advances In World Baseball Classic After Italy Eliminates Mexico

Team USA will advance to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic after Team Italy defeated Team Mexico. 

Team USA lost to Team Italy on March 10. This put Team USA’s record in the preliminary round to 3-1. They needed Team Italy to win in order to advance to the quarterfinals. 

Team Italy defeated Team Mexico 9-1. Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino had a huge game for Team Italy with three home runs. Athletics first baseman Joey Meneses had a hit and a walk for Team Mexico. 

Team Italy had a 4-0 record in the preliminary round. Their win over Team USA caught the attention of baseball fans around the world. Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone had two hits and a walk for Team Italy. Chicago Cubs outfielder Peter Crow-Armstrong had two hits and four RBIs for Team USA.  

Armstrong has been Team USA’s best hitter so far. His 1.427 OPS leads all Team USA hitters and is top-20 in the entire tournament. 

Pitching has been more of a question mark for Team USA. Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal pitched three innings and only allowed one run against Team Great Britain. However, Skubal has removed himself from the roster to return to the Tigers. Skubal is in the final year of his contract.  

Pittsburgh Pirates starter Paul Skenes also had a strong game against Team Mexico. He pitched four innings and gave up zero runs. He will be the Team’s most important starter going forward.

Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan will replace Clayton Kershaw on the roster. Kershaw retired after the 2025 season after an 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 
Team USA will play Team Canada on March 13. San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb will start for Team USA, while Team Canada will announce their starter later. 

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Article by Matthew Mendives