"Italy stunned Team USA with an 8-6 victory in World Baseball Classic pool play Tuesday night, one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's 20-year history that puts the Americans in jeopardy of not advancing to the knockout round. A team mostly comprised of American major leaguers with Italian heritage, Italy nevertheless entered the game against the powerful, pedigreed U.S. team as distinct underdogs."
"That changed in the early innings, with three home runs and 4⅔ shutout innings from veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen staking Italy an 8-0 lead it never relinquished. Though the Americans did themselves a favor by tagging on six runs in the final four innings, the game registered as a distinct letdown for a group that considered itself the favorite to win the championship."
"While Team USA finished pool play 3-1, its fortunes depend on the final game of Pool B between Italy and Mexico on Wednesday night. If Italy, which is now 3-0 in pool play, beats Mexico, Team USA would advance. If Mexico wins, however, and all three teams are 3-1, the two teams that allow the fewest runs per out recorded to advance."
Italy, a team primarily composed of American major leaguers with Italian heritage, defeated the favored Team USA 8-6 in World Baseball Classic pool play. Italy built an early 8-0 lead through three home runs and 4⅔ shutout innings from pitcher Michael Lorenzen. Though Team USA scored six runs in the final four innings, the comeback fell short. With Team USA finishing pool play 3-1, their advancement depends on Italy's final game against Mexico. If Italy wins, Team USA advances. If Mexico wins and all three teams finish 3-1, advancement is determined by runs allowed per out recorded.
Read at ESPN.com
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