Vinnie Pasquantino had a message for Team USA after he helped Team Italy defeat Team Mexico, 9-1, to clinch Pool B of the World Baseball Classic.
Italy’s victory also helped the U.S. to advance to the quarterfinals as the No. 2 seed. Pasquantino, who smashed a WBC record three home runs in the game, had friendly words for America following their win.
‘That was unbelievable, huh,’ Pasquantino said in a postgame interview. ‘You’re welcome, USA. We were thinking of you guys, over at your hotel. We were thinking of you guys, so glad you guys can join us in the party.’
Italy’s win clinched a berth to the quarterfinals as well.
The next set of games will happen over the weekend. United States will play their North American neighbors, going against Canada — the top seed from Pool A — on Friday at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.
Italy, the top seed from Pool B, will play Puerto Rico on Saturday in the quarterfinal round at Daikin Park.
The winners of the two games will advance to the semifinals in Miami.