The final day of Pool B action at Daikin Park in Houston has arrived with the highest possible stakes. On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the undefeated United States (3-0) will face a surprisingly dominant Italy (2-0) in a game that will determine the top seed for the quarterfinals.
While the U.S. is coming off a victory over Mexico, Italy has yet to allow a single run in the tournament, setting the stage for a classic clash between America’s high-octane offense and Italy’s disciplined pitching.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Team USA: Nolan McLean (RHP, New York Mets). The two-way standout gets the nod for the Americans, bringing his triple-digit fastball and elite strikeout potential to secure the sweep.
Team Italy: Michael Lorenzen (RHP, Colorado Rockies). The veteran MLB right-hander will use his experience to navigate a U.S. lineup that is currently averaging nearly 10 runs per game.
Rosters and Players to Watch
Team USA
The American “Dream Team” has lived up to the hype, led by captain Aaron Judge, who already has two home runs in the tournament.
- Kyle Schwarber (DH): Currently leading the team with 5 hits and consistent power at the plate.
- Roman Anthony (OF): The Red Sox prospect has been the breakout star, leading the squad with 5 RBIs.
- Infield Core: Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson have provided Gold Glove-caliber defense and speed on the basepaths.
Team Italy
Managed by Mike Piazza and coached by legends like Jorge Posada, Italy features a roster packed with MLB and MiLB talent.
- Dante Nori (OF): The Phillies prospect is the talk of the tournament, hitting an incredible .714 through his first two games as the leadoff hitter.
- Vinnie Pasquantino (1B): The “Pasquatch” provides the veteran left-handed power needed to challenge the U.S. pitching staff.
- Jac Caglianone (OF): The Royals’ breakout rookie is making his WBC debut and remains one of the most dangerous power hitters in the group.
3 Interesting Facts to Watch
The Run Differential: Team USA enters the game with a +20 run differential, having won all three of their games by multiple runs.
Italy’s Clean Sheet: In a stunning defensive display, Italy has not allowed an earned run yet in Pool B. Tonight will be the ultimate test of whether that streak can survive against Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper.
The Tiebreaker Chaos: If Italy pulls off the upset tonight but loses to Mexico tomorrow, Pool B could end in a three-way tie. Team USA’s goal is to win and avoid the “math” of the WBC run-quotient tiebreakers.
Game time and how to watch from the USA
This primetime matchup will be the focal point of the baseball world tonight.
- Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.
- TV Channel: FS1 (Fox Sports 1).
- Spanish Broadcast: Fox Deportes.
- Live Stream: Fox Sports App, Tubi, and FOX One.
Current Odds
- Moneyline: USA -400 | Italy +700.
- Run Line: USA -5.5.
- Over/Under: 11.5 runs.
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