The U.S. baseball team defeated Italy 9-1 over Mexico and advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Italian first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who was having a historic night of his own, wasn’t sure about the role his team played in helping the U.S. advance to the quarterfinals.
Pasquantino, who hit three home runs that night, joked with the media after the game, saying, “You’re welcome, USA.” Check it out below:
Pasquantino became the first player in World Baseball Classic (WBC) history to hit three home runs, and it came at an opportune time for the United States. Mexico struggled to maintain their second-place record in Group B, which would have qualified them for a place in the quarterfinals.
More: Italy’s Vinnie Pasquantino helps USA with first-ever WBC feat.
All Mexico had to do was win against Italy. Unfortunately, Vinny Pasquantino had a lot to say at the plate. He hit a solo home run in the top of the second inning, a solo shot in the top of the sixth, and a two-run bomb in the top of the eighth.
More: Mark DeRosa makes viral mistake as Team USA faces WBC elimination
As a result, the US national team advanced to the quarterfinals with 3 wins and 1 loss. As the second seed in Pool B, they will face the Canadian team ranked first in Pool A (San Juan). The matchup begins Friday, March 13 at 8 PM ET at Daikin Park.
Meanwhile, Italy took first place in Group A (Houston) with 4 wins and 0 losses. They face Puerto Rico, the second-place team in Group A. They are scheduled to face off the next day, Saturday March 14th at 3pm ET at Daikin Park.
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