United States gets help from Italy in World Baseball Classic

Italy beat Mexico 9-1, thrusting the United States into the quarterfinals of the WBC

HOUSTON, Tex. (KYMA) - Italy delivered exactly the result the United States needed in the World Baseball Classic.

Italy defeated Mexico 9–1 on Wednesday night, powered by Vinnie Pasquantino's three-homer game, a first in WBC history.

The result helped push both Italy and the United States into the quarterfinal round of the World Baseball Classic.

Entering the game, the United States needed Italy to win, or Mexico to score more than five runs and win in nine innings in order to advance out of pool play. Italy delivered with a dominant performance, routing Mexico and securing its own spot in the knockout stage while also keeping the Americans alive in the tournament.

Team USA will face Canada this Friday, while Italy will take on Puerto Rico national baseball team on Saturday as the tournament shifts to its elimination rounds.

The victories set up what should be a pair of highly anticipated matchups as the race for the World Baseball Classic title continues.