Italy Defeats U.S. in World Baseball Classic

Italy defeated the United States 8-6 in the World Baseball Classic Pool B game on Tuesday at Daikin Park in Houston, placing the U.S. team in a precarious position for advancement. Italy's victory, fueled by home runs from Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci, and Jac Caglianone, means the U.S. now requires Italy to beat Mexico on Wednesday night to guarantee a quarterfinal spot. If Mexico wins, a three-way tie at 3-1 will necessitate a tiebreaker based on runs allowed.

Italy's starter Michael Lorenzen held the U.S. to two hits over 4 2/3 scoreless innings. The U.S. offense, despite two home runs and four RBIs from Pete Crow-Armstrong and a solo shot from Gunnar Henderson, mounted a late rally that fell short. The U.S. trailed 8-1 in the seventh inning before narrowing the gap.

In other tournament action, defending champion Japan completed an unbeaten group stage, defeating the Czech Republic 9-0 in Tokyo. Japan advanced to a quarterfinal in Miami. Separately, Israel defeated the Netherlands 6-2 in a Group D matchup of already eliminated teams, with Jake Gelof driving in three runs.