Italy pulled off a stunning 7-6 victory over Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Friday, March 14. The win at loanDepot park in Miami secured the Italian team a spot in the tournament's semifinal round for the first time since 2013.
Puerto Rico, a pre-game favorite, built an early 5-0 lead. Italy mounted a dramatic comeback, highlighted by a three-run home run from Vinnie Pasquantino in the fifth inning. The game was decided in the ninth when Dominic Fletcher scored on a sacrifice fly to break a 6-6 tie.
With the victory, Italy advances to face tournament favorite Japan in the semifinals on Saturday, March 15. Japan defeated Venezuela 6-5 in their quarterfinal matchup earlier on Friday. The other semifinal will feature the United States against the winner of the Mexico vs. Dominican Republic quarterfinal.
