Vinnie Pasquantino delivered a historic performance, hitting the first three-home run game in World Baseball Classic history to lead Italy national baseball team to a 9–1 victory over Mexico national baseball team on Wednesday night.
The win secured Italy the top spot in Pool B and also helped United States national baseball team advance to the quarterfinals as the group’s second-place team.
Pasquantino, who had started the tournament hitless, homered in the second, sixth and eighth innings to power Italy’s offense. Jon Berti also added a home run as Italy built an early lead.
Italy pulled away with a three-run fifth inning that pushed the advantage to 5–0. Jakob Marsee contributed a two-run single in the rally, while Dante Nori drove in a run with a sacrifice bunt.
On the mound, Aaron Nola earned the win after allowing four hits and striking out five across five scoreless innings.
Italy finished pool play with a perfect 4-0 record and advanced to the quarterfinals for the third time in tournament history. The Italians will face Puerto Rico national baseball team in Houston, while the United States is set to play Canada national baseball team.
Mexico’s loss eliminated it from the tournament and also ended its chances of qualifying for the baseball competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.