HOUSTON.- In Italy’s dugout, the espresso machine worked almost as hard as the hitters during this 2026 World Baseball Classic. After Andrew Fischer’s home run, it turned back on when JJ D’Orazio hit the game-tying shot, a moment that fueled the reaction that would end up giving the Italians a 7-4 victory.
D’Orazio’s hit completely changed the pace of the game. Italy, which had started uphill after allowing two scores in the first inning, found enough energy in its offense to react and turn the score around in front of a crowd that little by little began to feel the aroma of a comeback.
But it was Fischer who was made more productive by caffeine. An inning later he had a hit to break the tie and start a three-run rally obtained with an RBI double by Miles Mastrobuni and a single by Danti Nori.
Italy, which achieved its second victory in the classic, made two more in the fifth inning with a triple RBI by Sam Antonacci.
“These two victories were quite important because anything can happen between the three teams at the top. We have been preparing well against each team. We have made the plan, we have followed it as it should and we must continue,” said manager Francisco Cervelli at a press conference.
And while the aroma of espressos woke up those led by Francisco Cervelli, it seemed that Great Britain’s offensive had drunk tea, they were in a state of rest. And when they tried to wake up again, in the eighth inning with two runs, Italy ended up celebrating while Andrea Bocelli played over the speakers at Daikin Park in Houston.
The Italian team will be free this Monday, but on Tuesday they will have to face the favorite United States and on Wednesday the always favorite Mexico.
