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Team USA suffered a huge upset against Italy on Tuesday night at the World Baseball Classic, putting its hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals in jeopardy.
Italians Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci and Jac Caglianone homered as Italy beat the United States 8-6 in the Americans’ final pool game.
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American pitcher Brad Keller (40) heads to the dugout in the middle of the sixth inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Italy, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Italian starter Michael Lorenzen allowed two hits in 4.2 scoreless innings. The United States got home runs from Pete Crow-Armstrong twice and Gunnar Henderson, but their rally fizzled.
Aaron Judge had a chance to extend the game for the United States in the ninth inning, but he was struck out.
“That’s the hardest thing,” he said. “You always like to have your destiny in your hands and we had it right in front of us and Italy came out strong.”
The Americans led 8-1 in the seventh inning before Crow-Armstrong’s home run.
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Italian catcher Kyle Teel (3) celebrates as he runs the bases after a home run against the United States during the World Baseball Classic game, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The United States appeared to be in a confusing situation, perhaps thinking it had already clinched a spot in the next round. Manager Mark DeRosa seemed to think that when he said during a television appearance that his team wanted to win the game “even if our ticket to the quarterfinals…”
DeRosa said he “misspoke” and Judge added that he didn’t think the players already thought their spots were assured.
“It’s out of our control now,” he said. “We just need a bit of luck and we’ll see what happens.”
From now on, the United States will have to hope for an Italian victory over Mexico. If Mexico wins, the three teams will move to 3-1 and 1-1 against each other and send them to the tiebreaker.
United States center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) celebrates after hitting a home run against Italy during the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic game, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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Tiebreaker is the number of points allowed in matches between tied teams. The United States could advance even if Mexico wins if it scores at least five points.
