With an espresso machine in the dugout, there’s little concern about the opposing team.
Team Italy’s pitcher Aaron Nola commented before their decisive game against Mexico that they weren’t really preoccupied with the tense tiebreaker affecting Team USA’s future in the World Baseball Classic.
Ultimately, it proved unimportant, as Italy triumphed over Mexico 9-1, securing their advancement in Pool B and propelling the U.S. into the quarterfinals, starting Friday night.
“I don’t think we gave much thought to the availability of America. Our focus was on winning the game,” Nola noted, pitching five scoreless innings.
“We’re not going to go out and adjust our strategy just because we’re facing another team. This is major league baseball, and our goal is to win. We executed that plan on Wednesday.”
After Italy had earlier defeated the United States 8-6, the Americans found themselves in need of considerable help just to reach the quarterfinals of a tournament they were favored to win.
If Italy comes out victorious, they’d automatically qualify alongside Team USA. But a win for Mexico complicates things further.
A four-point win or less for Mexico would see both teams advance, while a five-point victory would send Mexico and the U.S. to the next round.
There were whispers suggesting that Italy might try to eliminate a strong American squad if Mexico gained an early advantage.
However, Vinny Pasquantino and Nola ensured that scenario never unfolded.
Nola mentioned prior to the game that he hadn’t heard from his teammates Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber from Team USA, yet he pitched as if hoping to face Italy again.
He limited Mexico to four hits and struck out five batters.
On the offensive side, Pasquantino hit three solo home runs—one in the second inning, another in the sixth to extend the lead to 6-0, and a final one in the eighth, bringing the score to 8-1.
The Italian team will take on Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals, while the American squad faces Canada, potentially meeting the Dominican Republic in the semifinals.
Pasquantino reflected on the tension Team USA players might have felt leading up to his impressive performance.
“You’re welcome, America. We were thinking of you guys at your hotel,” he joked. “We hope you enjoyed the party.”
