MLB fans who tuned into the World Baseball Classic were expecting big-time performances from superstars Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. They came away learning more about Venezuela’s title-winning squad and one espresso-loving Italy slugger. Ahead of the 2026 MLB season, some players have already boosted their profile by thriving on the worldwide stage. … Read more
Italy continues its unlikely run at the World Baseball Classic and will next take on Venezuela in Monday’s semifinal game. The Venezuelans are having their own storybook run after eliminating Shohei Ohtani and defending WBC champions Japan in the quarterfinals. Next up is a spot in the final. The game will be Monday, March 16 … Read more
Daikin Park (Houston) — Buongiorno, buon pomeriggio, buonanotte. One night after upsetting Team USA for the biggest victory in Italy baseball history, there was no letdown Wednesday for Italy (4-0) as it finished off a remarkable undefeated run to win Pool B and — finally, officially — help punch USA’s (3-1) ticket to the quarterfinals by … Read more
Daikin Park (Houston) — In the fourth inning of Italy’s 8-6 stunner over Team USA, Jac Caglianone hit the Azzurri’s third home run of the game. Returning to the dugout, he put on the Armani jacket waiting for him, downed a shot of espresso and received the due baci greeting from Vinnie Pasquantino, who placed … Read more