The name of the game was chaos this week, as Team Italy threw a knuckleball that Pool B wasn’t ready for. After their 8-6 victory over the USA, the Italians chugged espresso all night long in a 9-1 shellacking of Mexico. Canada eliminated Cuba and won their pool, and exciting action elsewhere made the final night of pool play.
Team Italy
Sam Antonacci (SS/2B)
0-for-4, HBP, R
Team Italy pulled off another crushing upset, this time over Mexico. Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino made history, crushing three bombs, standing alone as the only hitter in the 20+ years of the tournament to have a three-homer game. The Pasquatch got three espresso shots despite being hitless before the contest.
Sam Antonacci had a silent night, struggling against Mexico’s pitching, but made an impact once he was on. The Coastal Carolina product was a spark plug, as usual, on the basepaths. He made it in for the Italians’ 7th run on the night over Mexico.
Aaron Nola opened the game for team Italy and went a scoreless five innings before pitch count limits took him out. The bullpen appears to be the weakest part of their squad, but it got out of three bases-loaded situations while allowing only one run.
Italy moves on after winning the pool to the quarterfinals. We’ll patiently be waiting for Antonacci’s endeavors against a tough Puerto Rico squad.
FINAL: Italy 9, Mexico 1 | Box Score
NEXT GAME: QF VS Puerto Rico, 3/14
Dominican Republic
Seranthony Domínguez (P)
DNP
From the bullpen, Seranthony Domínguez watched his Dominican Republic team clinch its pool today in a death-defying win over Venezuela. In the end, Brewers reliever Abner Uribe walked the bases full up only four. Athletics reliever Elvis Alvarado, who was a rookie last season, bailed them out, only after a critical error that nearly cost the Dominican squad the game. They were very lucky to have that big of a cushion, as a loss would have sent them to play Japan. We should have some great games in elimination play soon. With how many pitchers used from the DR tonight, we should see Seranthony Domínguez versus Korea.
FINAL: Dominican Republic 7, Venezuela 5 | Box Score
NEXT GAME: VS Korea, 3/13
Team Canada
Matt Davidson (1B)
0-for-4, BB, R
Another old friend alert! Matt Davidson was one of the runs plated in Canada’s 7-2 win-or-go-home victory over Cuba. The win put Canada atop their pool and made them one of the four higher tournament seeds as they move on to Houston for quarter-final play. They get the less fun task of trying to beat the lower-seeded United States. That being said, Italy’s domination over the USA might show indications that a tough Canada lineup, featuring notable White Sox killer Josh Naylor as their captain, could do some big damage to their Southern neighbors.
FINAL: Canada 7, Cuba 2 | Box Score
NEXT GAME: QF VS USA, 3/13
Team Cuba
Yoan Moncada (3B)
1-for-4, 2 K
Old pal Yoan Moncada conjured a hit in what would end up being his final 2026 WBC contest as Cuba fell to Canada. He struggled but had some fun moments. Alexei Ramírez even got an at-bat at 44 years old! Well fought for the Cuban team, but they went home fruitless.
FINAL: Canada 7, Cuba 2 | Box Score
Quarterfinal Matchups
Friday, March 13
- Korea vs Dominican Republic, 5:30 p.m. CT
- Seranthony Domínguez (DOM)
- USA vs Canada, 8 pm ET
Saturday, March 14
- Puerto Rico vs Italy
- Sam Antonacci (ITA)
- Venezuela vs Japan
- Munetaka Murakami (JAP)
If you’re looking to catch these players back home on 35th and Shields, the White Sox announced a big ticket package to let you see these guys in person when they come home to Chicago.
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Featured Photo: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
