An interesting development transpired in Team Italy’s World Baseball Classic arrangement against Venezuela. It was previously announced that former All-Star Michael Lorenzen will start the semifinal matchup against the South Americans. However, it is now confirmed that Aaron Nola got the nod over Lorenzen.
The Phillies ace, who last appeared in the final World Baseball Classic Pool B game against Mexico on Sunday night, has been assigned to push Italy to the finals. In an interview on the Foul Territory podcast on Monday, former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski shared his thoughts as to why Italy’s coaching staff made a drastic move on the mound.
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“They had success, why change it,” Pierzynski said. “They won the game [versus Puerto Rico]. I would stick with it … Maybe [Francisco] Cervelli thinks Nola can go a little deeper and try and save his bullpen guys for tomorrow if they win,” he added.
Pierzynski said that Italy manager Francisco Cervelli could be saving up his arms if ever they advance to the final. Similarly, the White Sox veteran also shared that Venezuela’s coaching staff is employing the same tactic by starting Keider Montero against Italy. This would pave the way for a more rested arm against Team USA if the team advances to the World Baseball Classic final.
Furthermore, the former White Sox star shared that both Italy and Venezuela are in an unenviable situation due to scheduling. This is due to the fact that after their game on Monday night, the winner would have to face Team USA the following day.
The Americans have the advantage of a one day rest over the other semifinal matchup after fending off a defiant Dominican Republic side on Sunday night.
“My biggest thing is the advantage that the U.S. have because they have a day off in between their semifinals match and the finals tomorrow … Mason Miller gets a day off. Garrett Whitlock gets a day off. All these guys get a day off in between, instead of just jumping in and saying, ‘we can’t pitch back-to-back.'”
Italy edges out Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic slugfest
Team Italy advanced to its first-ever World Baseball Classic after holding off Puerto Rico in their quarterfinals matchup of Saturday. Willi Castro opened the proceeding for Puerto Rico with a solo shot in the first. Half an inning later, the Italians ignited a four-run barrage led by Vinnie Pasquantino’s RBI single.
In the fourth inning, Italy continued the onslaught with another four-run shift that pushed the lead to six. However, Puerto Rico countered with a four-run inning of their own in the eighth that was started by Eddie Rosario.
With pressure mounting, Greg Weissert shut the door on the Puerto Ricans for his third save in the World Baseball Classic as the game ended 8-6.
Edited by Daniel Santiago
