Vinnie Pasquantino recorded the first three-homer game in the 20-year history of the World Baseball Classic, and Italy earned a 9-1 victory over Mexico on Wednesday in Houston, capturing first place in Pool B while helping the United States advance.
Pasquantino, who was 0-for-12 entering the game, earned himself three celebratory shots of espresso by going deep to lead off the second, sixth and eighth innings.
Jon Berti also homered to lead off the fourth inning for Italy (4-0), which banged out 10 hits to join the United States (3-1) in advancing to the quarterfinals. Italy will face Pool A second-place team Puerto Rico (3-1) on Saturday, while the Americans will square off against Pool A first-place side Canada (3-1) on Friday.
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