US Baseball's WBC Dream Hangs by a Thread After Italy Upset

USA Baseball’s hopes to reach the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals are suddenly in jeopardy after an 8-6 loss to Italy. Their fate now rests on Wednesday’s Italy-Mexico result or a favorable tiebreaker: if Italy beats Mexico, USA advances; if Mexico beats Italy and scores at least five runs, USA and Mexico advance; if Mexico wins by four runs or fewer, Italy and Mexico advance and USA is out. Manager Mark DeRosa and Aaron Judge voiced frustration but accepted the situation as they wait and root for the needed outcomes, while Italy’s Michael Lorenzen delivered 4.2 scoreless innings in the upset and Italy’s lineup provided punch. If USA does advance, they’ll play a Friday quarterfinal against Puerto Rico, Canada, or Cuba.