Vinnie Pasquantino’s Historic Three-Homer Night Keeps Italy’s WBC Dream Alive

In a night that will be etched in World Baseball Classic history, Vinnie Pasquantino emerged as a hero for Team Italy, hitting three home runs in a stunning 9-1 victory over Mexico. As he walked through the corridor with a half-empty can of beer, he lifted his blue suit jacket, wrinkling his nose at the scent. The same suit has accompanied him through day and night games, a tradition established by manager Francisco Cervelli. Yet, after this remarkable performance, it seems that Pasquantino may need to rethink his wardrobe choices.

Italy, a team many expected to exit the tournament after pool play, has instead captured the spotlight, sweeping all four games in Pool B to secure the No. 1 seed for the first time in its history. Their next challenge comes Saturday afternoon against Puerto Rico, with a spot in the semifinals at stake.

“There’s another team in the world that can play baseball,” Cervelli proudly declared, underscoring Italy’s unexpected success. And on this night, Pasquantino not only showcased his hitting prowess but also made history by becoming the first player to hit three home runs in a single World Baseball Classic game. When asked if he wanted a nickname to commemorate the feat, he joked, “Mr. March,” nodding to Reggie Jackson’s legendary Game 6 performance in the 1977 World Series.

Pasquantino, the Kansas City Royals first baseman, admitted he had never achieved this milestone before, not in college, high school, or even Little League. The night took a poignant turn when the Hall of Fame expressed interest in his bat, which he humorously declined to surrender just yet. “I need the bat for a few more days,” he said, illustrating his newfound status as a WBC legend.

After struggling in the first three games, Pasquantino’s desperation led him to attempt a bunt in his first at-bat against Mexico. But the night took a turn when he laid off a slider in the eighth inning, a small victory that culminated in a 337-foot blast over the right-field fence. “Just nice to be involved and help the team offensively,” he reflected, acknowledging the hard work that led to his resurgence.

His teammates have noted his unwavering spirit, with second baseman Jon Berti stating, “He’s been the happiest player on the team.” Despite his earlier struggles, Pasquantino kept the mood light, orchestrating espresso shots and celebrating victories with bottles of wine. His leadership has been crucial, especially after Italy’s monumental win over the USA just a day prior.

Pasquantino expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team, crediting Cervelli, GM Ned Colletti, and Italian Baseball Federation president Marco Mazzieri for their support. “I’m so thankful for those guys for allowing me to be myself,” he said, emphasizing the importance of bringing out the best in his teammates.

As Italy prepared for their next game, Pasquantino’s leadership helped them maintain focus, steering conversations away from potential tiebreakers and towards the singular goal of winning. The team responded by rallying around his performance, with contributions from seven players and a stellar pitching effort from Aaron Nola.

“Tonight, we just handled business,” Pasquantino said, looking ahead to their upcoming clash with Puerto Rico. With the potential to reach the semifinals, the stakes are higher than ever.

As for his blue suit, he joked, “It probably stinks, really bad.” But for now, with Italy’s winning streak intact, Pasquantino sees no reason to change his attire. “If someone wants to buy me a nice Italian designer suit, he knows just the guys who owe him. Yep, Team USA,” he quipped, celebrating the camaraderie and unexpected twists of the tournament.

Let the wine flow, and may the victories continue.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.