Italy Shuts Out Brazil 8-0 in World Baseball Classic Opener, Aldegheri Shines

HOUSTON – Team Italy made a resounding statement in its 2026 World Baseball Classic debut, defeating Brazil 8-0 at Daikin Park on Saturday. The victory, fueled by a dominant pitching performance from Sam Aldegheri and a late offensive surge, marks a significant step towards achieving manager Francisco Cervelli’s goal of “putting Italy on the map” as a baseball nation.

Aldegheri Makes History

Left-handed pitcher Sam Aldegheri, born in Verona, Italy, delivered a stellar performance, pitching 4 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out eight batters. This outing was particularly historic as Aldegheri is one of the few Major League Baseball players ever born in Italy, and the first Italian-born pitcher to reach the Majors in nearly 80 years, since Rugger Ardizoia played for the Yankees in 1947. MLB.com

“Everybody’s proud of him — the first pitcher ever pitching in the Major Leagues [born and raised] in Italy,” said Cervelli. MLB.com

Offensive Outburst Seals the Victory

While Aldegheri held Brazil in check, the Italian offense struggled to break through against Brazilian starter Enzo Sawayama for much of the game. The scoring finally opened up in the sixth inning. Zach Dezenzo, playing in his home stadium with the Astros, sparked the rally with an RBI single. Jac Caglianone followed with a double, driving in another run.

The floodgates then opened with Dante Nori hitting two home runs, and Dominic Canzone adding a three-run shot into the second level of the stadium. Nori, at 21 years and 151 days old, became the second-youngest player to hit multiple home runs in a World Classic game, following Brazil’s Lucas Ramírez who achieved the feat a day earlier against the United States. mlbforlife.com

Brazil Continues to Seek First Win

The loss drops Brazil to 0-2 in Group B, following a close contest against the United States on Friday. Brazil is still searching for its first victory in the World Baseball Classic, having first participated in the tournament in 2013. mlbforlife.com

Italy Joins US and Mexico at the Top

With the win, Italy joins the United States and Mexico as early leaders in Group B. Italy will continue group play with two remaining matches. mlbforlife.com