If anyone thought Team USA was going to cruise into the WBC knockout round purely on our All-American strength, Team Italy stormed in and gave a harsh wake-up call on Tuesday night.
In what was supposed to be a victory lap at Daikin Park, the Americans instead found themselves unprepared for the WBC spotlight, losing in an 8-6 stunner where Italy simply got the best of us.
It was a game won by a scrappy Italian roster that treated the star-studded U.S. lineup like just another group of guys. And of course, their magical espresso machine gave them added strength.
The trouble started early for the U.S. and starter Nolan McLean.
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 09: Manager Mark DeRosa #9 of Team USA exchanges lineup cards prior to the game between the Team Mexico and the Team USA at Daikin Park on Monday, March 9, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gabriella Ricciardi/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The young Mets phenom got rocked for back-to-back home runs in the second inning.
First, it was Kyle Teel with a solo shot, followed by a two-run blast from Sam Antonacci. Before the Houston crowd could even settle in, Italy had a 3-0 lead and all the momentum.
Ryan Yarbrough entered the fray only to watch Italy keep swinging, and Jac Caglianone later launched a two-run bomb as the Pasians continued to stack damage on top of damage.
By the sixth inning, the wheels officially came off for the Americans.
A throwing error by Brad Keller, a sacrifice fly, and a wild pitch helped Italy pile on, building a staggering 8-0 cushion and turning the night into something nobody in red, white and blue saw coming.
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