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HOUSTON — I waited until the day after to write this one because things got interesting Tuesday night at Daikin Park.
The United States and Italy played a game that was, and I say this with complete intent — epic. It was a drama-filled battle that showed the importance of playing winning baseball from the very first pitch.
That does not mean the United States did not play winning baseball. But it did feel like there may have been a little bit of ‘looking ahead’ by Team USA, as if advancing was a foregone conclusion. Some of the comments before and after their 8-6 loss to Italy reflected that mindset.
People are human. Sometimes that shows up as it takes a little bit to get moving. In this case, for the United States, it showed up in the first few innings against Italy.
Nolan McLean was mistake-prone early, and it cost him. Fastballs sat in the middle of the strike zone, and the breaking ball came and went. At times it flashed plus, and other times it played below average. That is not unexpected for this time of year, but against a confident opponent, it can get expensive.
Italy made him pay.
Kyle Teel and Sam Antonacci, both White Sox products, swung the bat extremely well. Antonacci is an impressive player who does a lot of things right on the field. He is the kind of player who grows on you the more you watch him, and it will be fun to follow his progression.
Team Italy, led by Francisco Cervelli, arrived ready.
The coaching staff is exceptional. Ron Wotus, Allard Baird, Jorge Posada, Jack Santora, and Lipso Nava are all part of the group. Santora and Nava are two of my former teammates, going back quite some time. They are excellent baseball men, and it was especially fun and nostalgic to visit with them.
Italy’s group came in confident and fearless.
You could see it in how they started the game.
You could see it in how they continued to compete and add runs.
And you could see it in how they finished.
There was also a little nostalgia mixed in.
Ryan Yarbrough and Dan Altavilla both pitched in the game. Both were drafted by the Seattle Mariners when I was cross-checking there. Watching them take the mound years later in this setting was a bit of a trip down memory lane.
Now the tournament gets very interesting.
The United States finds itself in a fight.
For USA Baseball, there are still positives.
Roman Anthony is a player. Pete Crow-Armstrong has the ability to rise to the moment and has already shown it. The depth of the United States’ bench is tremendous.
As Aaron Judge said afterward, it is out of their control, and he’s right. It wasn’t before Tuesday night’s contest, but it is now.
Mexico is a very hungry and talented club, especially being led by Benji Gil, who has no quit.
Coming into the event, the United States and Mexico felt like the matchup that might define the group. Now Mexico faces a rolling and extremely confident Italy team that controls its own destiny.
If Mexico beats Italy, everyone finishes 3-1, and the tiebreakers are set in motion.
This entire event has also been a masterclass in how to keep pressure on an opponent once a team reaches about five runs. It has been difficult to overcome games once they reach that point, especially when it happens early.
It reinforces the value of playing a brand of baseball led by executing situationally. Moving runners along. Getting to the middle of the lineup and letting those hitters drive the baseball instead of everyone swinging as hard as they can, trying to hit the ball as far as possible every time.
It also shows the value of pitching, both starters and the relief corps.
Bullpens throughout the event have been aggressive, and they have slammed the door when given the chance.
Talent leads to other talent. And when talent rises to the occasion, it is truly fun to watch which one comes out ahead.
Often, playing a team baseball game allows individuals to succeed and become the best versions of themselves. That is exactly what this World Baseball Classic has shown.
Now everyone watches. The Italy-Mexico matchup decides who moves on.
Gil has his team ready to go. Cervelli has Italy rolling.
First pitch Wednesday night is at 6 PM CT. Batting practice starts around 3:15-3:30, and the energy around the ballpark is already building.
All eyes on Houston.
All eyes on tonight.
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