WBC: Pitching, Late Explosion Powers Italy Past Brazil

Jon Berti of Team Italy celebrating a big hit against Team Brazil

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

March 7, 2026

Italy 8, Brazil 0

HOUSTON — Italy broke open a scoreless game with eight runs across the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, riding a 3‑for‑3, two‑homer performance from Dante Nori to an 8–0 win over Brazil Saturday afternoon at Daikin Park. The first half of the afternoon belonged to the pitchers, with neither lineup finding a way to break through. But once Italy cracked the Brazilian relief corps in the sixth, the tone of the game changed completely. From that point on, Italy dictated the pace and steadily pulled away.

Italy – Brazil Game Summary

For five innings, the game moved quickly, with both teams trading defensive plays and efficient pitching. Italy finally broke through in the sixth with two runs, then seized full control with a four‑run seventh. Two more in the eighth completed the surge, giving Italy its first shutout of the tournament. They have a 1–0 record heading into Sunday’s matchup with Great Britain.

What Went Right for Italy

Strong Pitching

Italy’s pitching staff controlled the entire game. Starter Sam Aldegheri — the first Italian-born player to ever appear in a major league game — worked through early traffic but kept Brazil off the board. Alek Jacob earned the win with two scoreless frames in relief, and the relief unit handled the final innings, only allowing a runner past second base once. Italy finished with 15 strikeouts and three walks.

Strong Hitting Off Brazilian Relievers

The momentum shifted sharply once Brazil opened the bullpen gate. Two runs in the sixth broke the stalemate, and the lineup followed with a four‑run seventh built on disciplined at‑bats, well‑placed contact, and steady pressure. Italy added two more in the eighth to stretch the lead to 8–0, turning a tight game into a decisive win.

What Went Wrong for Italy

Couldn’t Solve Brazilian Starter

For five innings, Italy had no answers for Brazilian starter Enzo Sawayama, who worked ahead in counts and mixed speeds effectively. Italy managed only two hits and a walk off him and didn’t put multiple runners on base until the sixth, after he had left. His outing kept Brazil in the game through the first five and a half innings.

What Went Right for Brazil

Starting Pitching

Sawayama delivered four scoreless innings, working out of traffic in the second and fourth innings. His command and tempo kept Italy’s lineup off balance. It generated a lot of weak contact and gave Brazil a chance to strike first.

Defense

Brazil’s defense stood out early. The outfield recorded two assists — one at home plate to end the second inning, and another at third base in the fourth. Both came from right fielder Lucas Ramirez.

What Went Wrong for Brazil

Lack of Offensive Production

Brazil managed only four hits and only advanced a runner past second base once. Even when they put the ball in play with authority, Italy’s defense had an answer. Without sustained pressure, Brazil had no margin for error once Italy began scoring in consecutive innings.

Relievers Ran into Trouble

The sixth inning marked the turning point. A leadoff walk and back‑to‑back singles opened the door, and Italy capitalized with two runs. The seventh proved even more difficult, as four more crossed the plate against multiple relievers. By the time Italy added two in the eighth, the game was out of reach.

Quotes

“When I heard the anthem, I felt like I was home. It gave me energy. Made me feel like I was playing for something bigger.” — Italy left‑handed starting pitcher Sam Aldegheri upon hearing Italy’s national anthem “Il Canto degli Italiani” before the game

Quick Hits

Dante Nori went 3‑for‑3 with two solo homers and a double.
Italy scored all eight runs from the sixth through eighth innings.
Brazil recorded two outfield assists in the same game — both from Lucas Ramirez. One was at the plate; the other was at third.
Attendance: 29,357.
Game time: 2:47.

Looking Ahead

Alek Jacob earned the win for Italy, with Hector Villarroel taking the loss for Brazil. Both were in relief. There was no save.

Both Italy and Brazil play again Sunday. Italy faces Great Britain in the early game; Brazil faces Mexico in the late one. First pitch for the early game will be at noon Central, and first pitch for the late game will be at 7 pm Central.