How did Italy reach the WBC semifinals?

Italy’s unlikely run reached new heights in Houston

Italy reached the 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinals by edging Puerto Rico 8-6, continuing a tournament run that has surprised the sport’s usual power balance. The win improved Italy’s record to an unbeaten 5-0 in the event and extended a streak that has captured attention for its mix of veteran pitching, timely hitting and aggressive situational play.

Key moments and contributors

• Italy produced multi-run rallies early and in the middle innings, including decisive four-run frames that swung momentum. Those rallies forced Puerto Rico to play catch-up and put Italy in control of the scoreboard.
• Vinnie Pasquantino was one of the offensive catalysts, delivering key hits in pivotal moments and helping sustain rallies.
• A play initially ruled a home run was changed to a two-run double after clear fan interference, but the ruling did not derail Italy; instead, the team kept building on its advantage.

Why it matters

• Historic berth: This victory booked Italy into the semifinals for the first time in WBC history, marking the country’s deepest run in the modern international tournament landscape.
• Broader impact: Italy’s approach—mixing Major League experience with savvy international strategy—has exposed a widening competitive field in global baseball and challenged assumptions about which nations are ‘‘favorites.’’

Next up is a semifinal against the winner of Japan and Venezuela. The matchup represents a major step for Italy’s program: not just a single shock result, but a legitimate chance to contend for a title on the sport’s biggest international stage.