Italy pulls off historic WBC upset vs. USA, makes quarters scenario murky

Italy pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Baseball Classic history with an 8-6 win over the United States on Tuesday in Houston.

With two out in the ninth inning, Aaron Judge came to the plate representing the tying run but struck out to end the game.

"Probably this is one of the best days of my life," Italy manager Francisco Cervelli said. "I'm proud of my guys."

The Italians beat the U.S. despite their top five hitters going 0-for-22. Kyle Teel, who exited with hamstring discomfort, Sam Antonacci, and Jac Caglianone went deep for Italy in the victory.

Meanwhile, the star-studded Americans' loss leaves them in a precarious position with Italy playing Mexico on Wednesday. If Mexico wins, all three teams would finish pool play 3-1, which means the U.S. might not advance to the quarterfinals due to a tiebreaker.

If Mexico wins and scores six or more runs, the U.S. and Mexico will advance. However, the Americans will be out of the tournament if the Mexicans win and score fewer than five runs, meaning Italy and Mexico would move ahead to the quarters.

Should Italy win, both the Italians and Americans move on.

"That's going to be a Team Italy fanatic tomorrow," Vinnie Pasquantino said gesturing to the USA dugout. "They will be rooting for Team Italy."

Pete Crow-Armstrong homered twice, and Gunnar Henderson added a solo long ball in the defeat.