HOUSTON — Vinnie Pasquantino delivered one of the most dominant performances of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, launching three home runs as Team Italy overwhelmed Mexico in a wire-to-wire victory at Daikin Park.
“I’m caffeinated. I’m beaned up,” Pasquantino said with a grin. “You’re welcome, USA — glad you guys could join us at the party.”
The offensive outburst powered Italy to the top of Pool B while simultaneously ending Mexico’s tournament run. The result also sends Team USA to the quarterfinals alongside Italy after the Americans defeated Mexico earlier in pool play. The defeated also eliminated Team Mexico for qualifying for baseball in the 2028 Olympics.
From the second inning onward, the night belonged entirely to Italy.
Early Pitching Duel Sets the Stage
The opening inning hinted at a tight contest.
Italy infielder Zach Dezenzo pauses before that start of a World Baseball Classic game against Mexico, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Italy’s Sam Antonacci, Jon Berti, and Jakob Marsee struck out in order to open the game as Mexico starter Javier Assad cruised through the first inning. Mexico briefly threatened when Jonathan Aranda doubled to left, but Italy escaped when Alejandro Kirk grounded out to Vinnie Pasquantino — a moment that quickly faded once the game swung decisively in Italy’s favor.
Pasquantino Ignites the Italian Offense
Italy broke through in the second inning thanks to Pasquantino.
Italy first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino hits a home run in the second inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Mexico, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Pasquantino put Italy ahead in the second inning, driving a 101.8 mph fly ball 342 feet to right field off Javier Assad for a solo home run.
Berti Adds to the Pressure
Italy extended its advantage in the fourth inning when veteran infielder Jon Berti launched a solo home run to left-center field.
Italy third baseman Jon Berti (1) celebrates his home run with catcher J.J. D’Orazio in the fourth inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Mexico, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The home run pushed Italy further in front and kept the pressure squarely on Mexico’s pitching staff.
Mexico again struggled to answer. Randy Arozarena struck out on a foul tip, Jonathan Aranda grounded out, and Alejandro Kirk reached with a single before Joey Meneses popped out to end the inning. Another quiet frame for the Mexican lineup as Italy controlled the tempo.
Italy’s Small Ball Opens the Game
Italy widened the gap in the fifth inning with disciplined situational hitting.
Jac Caglianone worked a walk and stole second before J.J. D’Orazio singled to left field to put runners on the corners. Dante Nori then executed a well-placed sacrifice bunt that allowed Caglianone to score and pushed the Italian lead further.
Italy right fielder Jac Caglianone, right, steals second base in the fifth inning of a World Baseball Classic game, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Moments later Jakob Marsee lined a single into right field that brought home two more runs, turning a steady lead into a commanding one and quieting much of the crowd inside Daikin Park.
Pasquantino Strikes Again
Pasquantino returned to the spotlight in the sixth inning.
The Italian captain launched his second home run of the night with a towering drive to right field, continuing a remarkable offensive performance and extending Italy’s control of the game.
Pasquantino had entered the night still looking to break through offensively in the tournament. Two swings later, he had completely flipped that narrative and energized the Italian dugout.
That's that Vinnie Espresso ☕️? pic.twitter.com/LwkuwtvATw
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 12, 2026
Mexico Pushes Across Lone Run
Mexico finally broke through in the seventh inning, though the damage proved minimal.
Joey Meneses opened the frame with a single and Nacho Alvarez Jr. was hit by a pitch before Nick Gonzales drew a walk to load the bases, briefly energizing the Mexico-heavy crowd at Daikin Park.
Italy turned to reliever Claudio Scotti to manage the moment. Alek Thomas brought home Mexico’s only run on a groundout, but the rally quickly stalled. Pinch hitter Rowdy Tellez lined out sharply to Pasquantino at first base, and Joe La Sorsa entered to strike out Jarren Duran and end the inning.
The escape kept Italy firmly in control and ensured Mexico’s breakthrough would amount to just a single run.
Pasquantino Completes Historic Night
Italy removed any remaining doubt in the eighth inning.
Pasquantino stepped up again and blasted his third home run of the night to right field, a towering drive that silenced much of the crowd inside Daikin Park.
The FS1 broadcast joked the Italian slugger had delivered his “third shot of espresso,” referencing Pasquantino’s dugout celebration earlier in the game.
For Mexico supporters hoping for a comeback, the moment effectively sealed the outcome.
Italy continued to add offense later in the inning, stretching the margin further and turning the contest into a decisive rout.
Italy Escapes Final Threat
Mexico mounted one final push in the bottom of the eighth.
Randy Arozarena walked and stole second before Joey Meneses reached base to put multiple runners aboard. Nacho Alvarez Jr. was then hit by a pitch, loading the bases and briefly bringing the crowd back to life.
But Italy’s bullpen once again closed the door.
Julian Ornelas lifted a sharp fly ball to right field where Jac Caglianone settled underneath it to end the inning, sending the game into the ninth with Italy comfortably ahead.
Italy Wins Pool B, Mexico Eliminated
The victory finalized the standings in Pool B.
Italy finished atop the group and advanced to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, while Team USA also moved on after defeating Mexico earlier in pool play.
Mexico, meanwhile, was eliminated from the 2026 tournament.
The result does not affect Mexico’s path toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which will be determined through a separate international qualification process.
On this night in Houston, however, the story belonged to Italy — and to Vinnie Pasquantino’s unforgettable three-home-run performance.
Quarterfinals (Single Elimination)
Friday, March 13 — South Korea vs. Dominican Republic (6:30 p.m. ET, loanDepot Park in Miami on FS2)
Friday, March 13 — United States vs. Canada (8:00 p.m. ET, Daikin Park in Houston on FOX)
Saturday, March 14 — Puerto Rico vs. Italy (3:00 p.m. ET, Daikin Park in Houston on FS1)
Saturday, March 14 — Dominican Republic vs. Japan (9:00 p.m. ET, loanDepot Park in Miami on FOX)
From this point forward, the World Baseball Classic moves to a single-elimination knockout stage, with the winners advancing to the semifinals in Miami.
Photo: Italy first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino runs the base after a home run in the eighth inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Mexico, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
