"At least 2 trillion won in body value." The U.S. Dream Team has confirmed its advance to the quarterfinals! Italy leads Mexico 5-0 [2026 WBC]

*This content was translated by AI.

The Dream Team U.S. national baseball team succeeded in advancing to the quarterfinals with a close life.

Italy's advance to the quarterfinals was confirmed on the 12th (Korea time) as it led Mexico 5-0 in the top of the fifth inning in the final Group B match of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.

It was a game where the fate of three teams, Italy, Mexico and the United States, was at stake. Before the game, Italy had three wins and no losses, the U.S. had three wins and one loss, and Mexico had two wins and one loss, ranking first to third in Group B.

The biggest interest was whether the U.S. national team, which paid at least 2 trillion won for nine starting batters, would be eliminated. According to the WBC 1st round regulations, teams with tied winning rates will be ranked in the order of winner win, minimum run rate, and minimum earned run rate.

The U.S. was in a disadvantageous position, winning 5-3 against Mexico and losing 6-8 to Italy. It doesn't matter if Italy wins, but if Mexico wins by less than four points in nine innings, the U.S. could be eliminated.

However, thanks to Italy, the U.S. was able to confirm its advance to the quarterfinals. Leading hitter Jack Caglion stole second base following a walk in the top of the fifth inning with Italy leading 3-0. Dioragio made a single to the left, first and third bases with one out, and Dantenori scored another point with a squeeze to Brennan Bernadino, the changed pitcher.

At this moment, the U.S. advanced to the quarterfinals. If Italy wins like this, Italy will be ranked first with four wins and no losses, and the U.S. will be ranked second with three wins and one loss. Even if Mexico wins from behind, Italy will only fall behind in the loss rate, and the second place in the U.S. group will not change. After returning from hell, the U.S. will play Canada in the quarterfinals on March 14 at the same venue.

On this day, Italy's lineup consisted of Sam Antonacci (striker), John Berti (second baseman), Jacob Masi (middle fielder), Vinny Pasquantino (first baseman), Jack Dezenzo (designated hitter), Jack Caglion (right fielder), Andrew Fisher (third baseman), J.J. Dioragio (catcher) and Dante Nori (left fielder). The starting pitcher is Aaron Nola.

Against this backdrop, Mexico's lineup was composed of Jaren Duran (right fielder), Randy Arozarena (left fielder), Jonathan Aranda (first baseman), Alejandro Kirk (catcher), Joy Meneses (designated hitter), Nacho Alvarez Jr. (third baseman), Nick Gonzalez (second baseman), Alec Thomas (midfielder), and Joy Ortiz (striker). The starting lineup was Javier Assad.

Italy started off in a good mood in the top of the second inning when leadoff hitter Pasquantino hit a superior solo shot.

On the other hand, Mexico poured cold water on Nick Gonzalez with a double play in the bottom of the second inning with one out and one on the first base. In the bottom of the third inning, Duran hit a double play with one out and one on the first base, gradually casting dark luck.

In the meantime, Italy took another lead with Berti's solo shot over the left-center wall.

The game was decided in the fifth inning. In the top of the fifth inning, Nori attempted a squeeze bunt with one out and runners on the first and third bases to give Italy a 3-0 lead. Later, Berti walked to load the bases and two runners came in when Marci hit the right, leading Italy 5-0.

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*This content was translated by AI.