Italy delivered one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, defeating Team USA 8-6 in a dramatic Pool B showdown that shifted momentum in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups. The Americans entered the game unbeaten and widely viewed as one of the favorites to win the title, but Italy built a commanding early lead and held off a late comeback attempt that ended with Aaron Judge striking out in the final at-bat.
The loss dropped Team USA to 3-1 in pool play while Italy improved to 3-0 heading into its final matchup against Mexico. The result immediately reshaped the Pool B standings and created fresh uncertainty around seeding and quarterfinal qualification in a group that had already featured tight competition.
Italy jumped ahead early and never lost control
Italy seized control of the game almost immediately. After a scoreless first inning, Kyle Teel opened the scoring with a solo home run in the second. The momentum quickly accelerated when Jac Caglianone was hit by a pitch and Sam Antonacci followed with a two-run homer to make it 3-0.
Team USA’s pitching staff struggled to slow the momentum. Caglianone later launched another home run to push the lead to 5-0, putting the Americans under significant pressure early in the contest.
The situation worsened in the middle innings when a defensive error during a potential double play allowed another run to score. A sacrifice fly extended the margin to 7-0, turning what had been expected to be a tight matchup into a difficult uphill battle for the United States lineup.
Italy’s starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen kept the American offense quiet through much of the game. Lorenzen exited after 4 2/3 scoreless innings due to the World Baseball Classic pitch count rule, leaving Team USA with only two hits and one walk at that stage.
Team USA began climbing back into the game
The Americans finally broke through in the sixth inning when Orioles star Gunnar Henderson hit a solo home run, cutting the deficit to 8-1 and ending the shutout. While the scoreboard still heavily favored Italy, the hit provided a spark for a lineup loaded with Major League talent.
The real momentum shift arrived in the seventh inning. With two outs, Paul Goldschmidt reached base before Brice Turang delivered a double to keep the rally alive. Pete Crow-Armstrong then smashed a two-run homer, trimming the lead to 8-4 and energizing the American dugout.
Crow-Armstrong continued his breakout performance later in the game. The young outfielder launched his second home run of the night in the ninth inning, making it 8-6 and giving Team USA a realistic chance to complete the comeback.
Roman Anthony also played a key role late in the game, driving in a run with an RBI single during the eighth inning rally that cut into Italy’s advantage.
The final at-bat belonged to Aaron Judge
Despite the late push, Team USA could not fully erase the early deficit. Entering the ninth inning trailing by two runs, the Americans needed a final rally to force extra innings.
Bobby Witt Jr. singled to keep hope alive, but Gunnar Henderson struck out to leave the U.S. with one final opportunity. That opportunity fell to Aaron Judge, one of baseball’s biggest stars and one of the most feared hitters in the tournament.
Judge stepped to the plate with two outs and the game on the line. Instead of delivering the dramatic finish many expected, the Yankees slugger struck out, ending the comeback attempt and sealing Italy’s 8-6 victory.
Italy’s win reshapes Pool B standings
The victory gave Italy a perfect 3-0 record in Pool B heading into its final pool game against Mexico. Meanwhile, Team USA finished its pool schedule at 3-1 and must now wait to see how the Italy-Mexico matchup determines the final group standings.
The upset carries significant implications because Pool B had been one of the tightest groups in the tournament. Earlier in the week, the United States had defeated Mexico 5-3 behind four dominant innings from NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and a five-run offensive inning.
With Italy’s victory, the race for quarterfinal positioning remains unsettled and could come down to the final games of pool play.
Japan remains dominant in tournament play
Elsewhere in the World Baseball Classic, defending champion Japan continued its strong run through the tournament. Japan defeated Czechia to improve to 4-0 in Pool C, finishing pool play undefeated.
Japanese fans also delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable moments by giving Czech pitcher Ondřej Satoria a standing ovation after his impressive outing against Samurai Japan.
Notably, Shohei Ohtani did not appear in Japan’s final pool game because the team had already secured its place in the quarterfinals.
Tournament moves closer to knockout stage
The 2026 World Baseball Classic marks the sixth edition of the global tournament, with games taking place across multiple international venues including Tokyo, San Juan, Miami and Houston.
Pool play runs through March 12, followed by quarterfinal matchups scheduled for March 13 and March 14. The semifinals will take place on March 15 and March 16 before the tournament concludes with the championship game on March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami.
The United States won the World Baseball Classic in 2017 but finished runner-up in 2023 after losing to Japan 3-2 in the final. Entering the 2026 tournament, the Americans were widely considered the betting favorites thanks to a roster featuring 22 MLB All-Stars.
Even with that star power, Italy’s victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of international baseball. A fast start, timely hitting and a few key moments of execution were enough to topple one of the tournament’s most talented teams.
Fans can follow the full tournament schedule and results through the official World Baseball Classic website or check broadcast coverage through FOX Sports, which is airing the games across its network channels.
