The 2026 World Baseball Classic is entering the final days of pool play, as Team USA’s schedule wraps up with a matchup against Team Italy on Tuesday, March 10, to decide who stands atop Pool B in the WBC standings.
Right-hander Nolan McLean of the New York Mets will get the ball for the Americans, facing off against an Italian lineup led by Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone of the Kansas City Royals. Colorado Rockies righty Michael Lorenzen will start for the Italians. Team USA and Team Italy are both undefeated in the group. The game will air on FOX Sports 1 at 9 p.m. ET.
Team USA held off a late comeback attempt by Team Mexico on Monday, March 9, to secure a 5-3 win. Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates dominated over four innings, striking out seven while allowing just two baserunners. New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge got the Americans on the board in the 3rd inning, slugging a two-run home run. Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony followed with a three-run dinger later in the frame. Anthony’s teammate, Jarren Duran, did his best to keep Team Mexico in the game with a two-homer performance, but the club ultimately fell short.
Team USA Schedule for Pool Play: Crucial Matchup Against Team Italy Will Shape WBC Standings
The Americans took a commanding lead in Pool B with the win over Team Mexico, but the group is still up for grabs, given the remaining schedule. The top two teams from the pool will advance to the quarterfinals. If Team USA beats Team Italy, they advance to the next round. If the Americans lose, they’ll have to wait out the matchup between Team Italy and Team Mexico. A win by the Italians in that game would see them advance, along with the Americans. A Team Mexico victory would force a three-way tie.
Pool B is the lone remaining group without an advancing team. Team Puerto Rico has already punched its ticket to the quarterfinals with a 3-0 performance in Pool A. Team Cuba will join them with a win over Team Canada on Wednesday, March 11. Team Japan and Team Korea have locked up quarterfinal spots in Pool C. Team Dominican Republic and Team Venezuela have advanced out of Pool D.
Who is on Team Italy?
The Italians feature a roster littered with MLB talent. Their coaching staff is just as impressive, including longtime Yankees catchers Francisco Cervelli as manager and Jorge Posada as assistant hitting coach.
Team Italy has plenty of big-league names in the outfield between Dominic Canzone, Jakob Marsee, and Zach Dezenzo. The surprise of the club so far has been the performance of Dante Nori, a Philadelphia Phillies prospect who has hit .714 through two games as the leadoff batter for the squad. The infield options include MLB veterans Jon Berti and Miles Mastrobuoni alongside St. Louis Cardinals youngster Thomas Saggese.
The pitching staff is less proven, but includes major league names like Lorenzen, Aaron Nola, and Adam Ottavino.
Here’s the full roster for Team Italy:
Hitters
- J.J. D’Orazio
- Kyle Teel
- Sam Antonacci
- Jon Berti
- Zach Dezenzo
- Andrew Fischer
- Renzo Martini
- Miles Mastrobuoni
- Vinnie Pasquantino
- Thomas Saggese
- Jac Caglianone
- Dominic Canzone
- Jakob Marsee
- Nick Morabito
- Dante Nori
Pitchers
- Sam Aldegheri
- Dan Altavilla
- Dylan DeLucia
- Matt Festa
- Gordon Graceffo
- Alek Jacob
- Joe La Sorsa
- Michael Lorenzen
- Ron Marinaccio
- Kyle Nicolas
- Aaron Nola
- Adam Ottavino
- Gabriele Quattrini
The starter pitcher for Team Italy against Team USA has yet to be announced.
Team USA Schedule: Game 4 of the World Baseball Classic