After years of participating in the World Baseball Classic, Vinny Pasquantino might find it hard to sleep tonight.
The Royals’ first baseman made history by hitting three home runs in one game, leading Italy to a 9-1 win against Mexico at Daikin Park on Wednesday. This victory not only secured a perfect record in the pool but also earned Italy a place in the quarterfinals.
In traditional fashion, after hitting those home runs, Pasquantino had to down three espressos in the dugout. It’s quite the rite of passage for the team.
“I’m on caffeine. I’m feeling wrecked right now,” he remarked in an on-field chat with FS1 after the game.
Entering this tournament, the Italian captain had struggled, going 0-for-12 prior to this breakout game. His remarkable performance boosted Italy’s chances, while Team USA, alongside his Royals teammate Bobby Witt Jr., also progressed to the next round.
With a hint of sarcasm, he quipped to the audience, “You’re welcome, America. We were thinking of coming to your hotel. We’re glad you guys came to the party.”
In his first at-bat, the 28-year-old attempted a bunt to ignite some action but quickly established dominance by smacking a solo home run off Mexican pitcher Javier Asado, allowing Italy to take a 1-0 lead in the second inning.
Italy’s lead swelled to 6-0 in the sixth inning thanks to another home run from Mets player Daniel Duarte, and in the eighth, a triple from Rangers pitcher Robert Garcia further widened the gap to 8-1. Pasquantino ended his day by walking in his last appearance at the plate.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes couldn’t help but take notice of Pasquantino’s impressive outing.
“Then go crazy! @VPasquantino,” Mahomes posted on X after his final home run.
As Italy prepares to face Puerto Rico in the next round on Saturday, they’ve been scoring at least eight runs in their previous games—a feat that has made them a formidable offensive team, even as Pasquantino had faced challenges.
“I don’t even know what I’m feeling right now,” he admitted. “I’ve never felt that way before. It’s not like we’ve won anything major yet. We’ve won the pool and qualified, which is fantastic, but it feels surreal.”
Pasquantino has been a standout player in his four seasons with Kansas City, particularly in the last two, including a season with a .264 batting average, 32 home runs, 33 doubles, 113 RBIs, and an OPS of .798.
Looking ahead, he’s hopeful that Team Italy will keep the espresso flowing as they aim for further success in the tournament.
“When asked if additional pods have been ordered, we just need them,” he said. “We’ll definitely make it happen. It’s unbelievable.”
