Suddenly, Team USA goes from being invincible to needing a whole lot of help.

In a costly upset, Italy beats this stacked powerhouse of an American team 8-6.

So now, USA’s future in the World Baseball Classic comes down to tonight’s Italy-Mexico game. With their defeat of USA, the Italians are undefeated. Mexico and USA have one loss each. 

If Italy beats Mexico, then Italy and USA advance. If Mexico beats Italy, it triggers a long, complicated, confusing set of tie breakers based on runs allowed.

Italy took a commanding 8-0 lead, built off three American pitchers, the Mets Nolan McLean (three runs), the Yankees Ryan Weathers (two runs), and the Phillies Brad Keller (three runs). USA tried to claw back, and even had the tying run up with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. It wasn’t just the tying run, it was the one single batter Team USA would want in that point, the winner of two consecutive A.L. M.V.P.s. It was Aaron Judge.

Like mighty Casey in the famous poem, Judge struck out. And the cocky Team USA suddenly lost its swagger.

Now, they wait. 

*****

NO RANGERS GAME TODAY