Italy moves on to the WBC semifinal after defeating Puerto Rico

Italy Advances to Semifinals with Win Over Puerto Rico

HOUSTON — JJ D’Orazio was a standout with three doubles that drove in runs, while Andrew Fisher added a couple of RBIs to help Italy secure an 8-6 victory against Puerto Rico on Saturday. This win marked Italy’s first appearance in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.

With this victory, Italy improved its tournament record to 5-0 and will face either defending champions Japan or Venezuela on Monday night in Miami.

Italy briefly trailed after Willi Castro opened the game with a home run. However, they quickly bounced back, scoring four runs in the first inning and holding onto the lead. Puerto Rico managed to put up a fight in the eighth with four runs, but Greg Weissert closed out the game with a scoreless ninth, allowing just one hit for a five-out save.

Puerto Rico’s loss is notable, as this is now the sixth time they have been eliminated by Italy in the WBC quarterfinals.

Italy capitalized on three consecutive walks in the fourth inning, with the bases loaded and two outs, which allowed them to extend their lead by two runs.

Fisher sent a deep hit into right field; a fan caught it over the wall, resulting in a double and a 6-2 lead. D’Orazio followed this up with a two-run double.

In the eighth inning, Eddie Rosario managed a forceout to score, while Joe La Sorsa crossed home plate on a wild pitch. Christian Vazquez then contributed with a two-run single.

Weissert faced some pressure but retired Nolan Arenado with a grounder to end the inning, after allowing two outs and a baserunner.

Castro, with a solid hit off Sam Aldegueri’s fourth pitch, landed Puerto Rico’s second home run of the tournament, sending it into the Crawford boxes in left field.

In a notable moment, Vinny Pascantino, who set the WBC record for most home runs in the previous game, tied the game with a single. Meanwhile, RBI singles from Dominic Canzone and Jack Carianone chased down losing pitcher Seth Lugo. Additionally, D’Orazio had a sacrifice fly off Giovani Moran.

Earlier in the game, Aldegheri struggled, walking two batters and hitting Matthew Lugo in the foot. Alec Jacob had to step in with the bases loaded and hit Martin Maldonado on his very first pitch to allow a run.