Rome, Mar 11 (LaPresse) – In Houston, Italy made history: by defeating the United States 8-6, Francisco Cervelli’s national team achieved a result destined to remain legendary in Italian baseball. Although this was not the first victory against the U.S., the Azzurri had never beaten a United States team with all major leaguers on the field, and never at this level. Italy took an 8-point lead, driven by Lorenzen’s pitching and home runs from Teel, Antonacci, and Caglianone, and managed to withstand the powerful comeback of a team with a phenomenal lineup, closing the game with Weissert on the mound tasked with retiring Henderson and Judge, no less.
Regardless of how Italy’s journey in the Classic unfolds—the decisive game will be against Mexico—this Texan night will remain unforgettable. In the presence of the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, Tilman J. Fertitta, a Houston native and guest of the national team at Daikin Park, and Consul Mauro Lorenzini, the game began with McLean, a top prospect for the New York Mets and author of an excellent 2025 debut in MLB, who dominated the Italian batting box in the first inning and retired two in the second, quick and precise. But Italy at bat showed freshness and power: immediately afterward, Teel sent the Mets pitcher’s fastball over left field for a 1-0 home run. Caglianone was then hit and reached first base, and when it was Antonacci’s turn, another homer made it a three-run inning that Lorenzen preserved perfectly, delivering a pitching performance nothing short of impeccable.