Dominic Canzone

Team Italy powers to 8-0 shutout over Brazil in 2026 World Baseball Classic debut

Roberto Angotti1 Comment

March 7, 2026 Brazil-Italy Game Recap at Daikin Park, Houston, Texas 

Team Italy starting pitcher Sam Aldegheri looked good early in the top of the first inning, striking out Gabriel Gomes on three pitches. A walk to the dangerous Lucas Ramirez, son of Manny Ramirez, followed. Then Leonardo Reginatto struck out swinging and Gabriel Gomes was picked off first base for the third out.

Brazil sent out lefty starting pitcher Enzo Sawayama to combat the left-handed heavy Team Italy hitting lineup in the bottom of the first inning. After a Jakob Marsee flyout to center, second baseman Jon Berti doubled. Vinnie Pasquantino grounded out to second, advancing Berti to third base. However, he would remain stranded 90 feet away from the plate after a sharply hit line drive flyout to right field by cleanup hitter Dominic Canzone ended the scoring threat.

Sam Aldegheri threw a scoreless top of the second inning. A quick strikeout of Dante Bichette Jr. and a flyout to right field by Lucas Rojo was followed by another strikeout of Victor Mascai. 

Astros hometown hero Zach Dezenzo received a warm reception at Houston’s Daikin Park when he stepped into the batter’s box but succumbed to a strikeout by Enzo Sawayama. A Kyle Teel infield groundout to second and a Jac Caglianone line-drive flyout to second ended the second inning.  

In the top of the third inning, Gabriel Do Carmo singled to center field and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Felipe Koragi. Then Sam Aldegheri collected his fifth and sixth strikeout courtesy of Gabriel Maciel and Gabriel Gomes.  

In the bottom of the third inning, Brazil lefty Enzo Sawayama struck out Thomas Saggese before Dante Nori walked and Jakob Marsee grounded into a fielder’s choice. Then Jon Berti singled and Jakob Marsee was called out at third base after an accurate throw by right fielder Lucas Ramirez. 

Sam Aldegheri returned to pitch the top of the fourth inning. Lucas Ramirez fouled out to third. Leonardo Reginatto walked and Dante Bichette Jr. grounded into a 5-4-3 double play. 

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Vinnie Pasquantino just missed on a deep flyout on the left field warning track. Dominic Canzone grounded out to third and Zach Dezenzo struck out.

Lefty Sam Aldegheri appeared to get better as the contest progressed in the top of the fifth inning. After back-to-back strikeouts of Lucas Rojo and Victor Mascai, Azzurri manager Francisco Cervelli summoned Alek Jacob from the bullpen. The right-handed reliever struck out Gabriel Gomes to end the top of the fifth inning. 

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Brazil made a pitching change and brought in lefty Hector Villarroel. The Italians nearly broke through. After catcher Kyle Teel singled up the middle, Jac Caglianone popped out to third and Thomas Saggese hit a long flyout to deep center. Then Dante Nori doubled over first baseman Dante Bichette Jr. With runners on second and third, Jakob Marsee lined out to second to quell the potential Team Italy scoring rally. 

Alek Jacob returned to pitch the top of the sixth inning and struck out Felipe Korage. Then a Gabriel Maciel flyout to left and a Gabriel Gomes strikeout made for a quick half inning. 

The tension was building in the Team Italy dugout and an offensive breakout was brewing in the bottom of the sixth inning. Brazil lefty Hector Villarroel faced MLB veteran Jon Berti, who walked on four pitches and later stole second base to get into scoring position. Azzurri captain Vinnie Pasquantino fouled out to catcher Gabriel Do Carmo before Dominic Canzone walked, which prompted a visit to the mound to give the scouting report on Zach Dezenzo. Despite the intelligence, the Azzurri third baseman connected with an RBI single to right. With runners on second and third, Kyle Teel struck out swinging. Then Jac Caglianone hit an RBI double and Zach Dezenzo was thrown out at the plate by right fielder Lucas Ramirez to end the two-run rally.  

In the top of the seventh inning, reliever Gordan Graceffo entered the ballgame. Despite surrendering a single to Leonardo Reginatto, the fired up right hander struck out Lucas Ramirez, Dante Bichette Jr. and Lucas Rojo.

Brazil brought in former Team Italy pitcher Murilo Gouvea in the bottom of the seventh inning. Thomas Saggese was called out on strikes before Dante Nori slugged a home run to right field to give the Italians a 3-0 advantage. Then Jakob Marsee patiently earned a walk and Jon Berti struck out swinging. After issuing a walk to Vinnie Pasquantino, Murilo Gouvea was replaced by lefty reliever Oscar Nakaoshi. With runners on first and second with two out, designated hitter Dominic Canzone connected with a three-run bomb into the right field bleachers to give Team Italy a commanding 6-0 lead. Zach Dezenzo followed with a walk and Kyle Teel singled to right, but a Jac Caglianone groundout to short ended the inning.

In the top of the eight inning, Miles Mastrobuoni replaced Zach Dezenzo at third base and pitcher Gordon Graceffo returned to the mound for Team Italy. After issuing a walk to Victor Mascai, the hard-throwing right hander was relieved by Claudio Scotti. The Italian-born and developed pitcher struck out Gabriel Do Carmo. Then Felipe Koragi grounded into a fielder’s choice and Gabriel Maciel singled to right field. Pinch-hitter Osvaldo Carvalho fouled out to Miles Mastrobuoni for the third out.

The Italians nailed the coffin shut in the bottom of the eighth inning when scoring twice off reliever Caio De Araujo to make it an 8-0 game. After Thomas Saggese grounded out to third,

Dante Nori clubbed his second home run of the game into the Team Italy bullpen in right field. Then Jakob Marsee grounded out to second. A two-out rally ensued as Jon Berti doubled to left and later crossed the plate on an RBI single by Dominic Canzone. 

In the top of the ninth inning, Sam Antonacci replaced Jon Berti at second base and pitcher Claudio Scotti returned to the hill. Despite giving up an infield single to pinch-hitter Victor Ito, Claudio Scotti closed out the game to ensure the 8-0 shutout. 

Team Italy returns on Sunday, March 8th for WBC game two against Great Britain. First pitch is scheduled at 1 pm (ET). Forza #Italia!

BOX SCORE

By Roberto Angotti

http://www.MLBItalia.com

Kyle Teel and Sam Antonacci bring powerful Sox to Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment

Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel and MLB Top 10 infielding prospect Sam Antonacci are two fast-rising stars on Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The White Sox duo add punch to an already powerful Azzurri lineup featuring the likes of Kansas CIty Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone, Seattle Mariners’ Dominic Canzone and Miles Mastrobuoni, Miami Marlins’ Jacob Marsee, Houston Astros’ Zach Dezenzo, St. Louis Cardinals’ Thomas Saggese and Toronto Blue Jays’ prospect Giaconino Lasarcina. Team Italy begins Pool B play against Brazil on Saturday, March 7th at Daikin Park in Houston. Favorite USA, Mexico and Great Britain round out the competition. 

Recruited by former Team Italy catcher and Chicago White Sox coach Drew Butera (currently with the Toronto Blue Jays), catcher Kyle Teel is star struck with former MLB catchers Francisco Cervelli (Team Italy manager) and Jorge Posada (Team Italy hitting coach) serving on the WBC Azzurri staff. He said, “I want to be a sponge around those guys and learn as much as I can. It’s huge. I’m pumped. I’m really looking forward to competing and playing to win. I think we are going to surprise a lot of people. I really like our team. I’m so excited about being able to represent my family’s culture. I’m half Italian and being able to represent that side of the family is a great opportunity.”

Teel quickly advanced through the Boston minor league system and in December 2024 was part of a trade that sent him to the Chicago White Sox organization as a top prospect. He made his MLB debut on June 6, 2025 and showed lightning power when hitting eight home runs with a .273 batting average and 35 RBI for the remainder of the season. The left-handed hitting catcher has demonstrated an advanced hitting approach and the ability to work counts to get on base, where he excels with smart base running tactics. His leadership, skilled game management and precision (only five errors in 501 innings) behind the plate makes him a strong defensive weapon as well.

During 2026 Spring Training as a non-roster invitee, White Sox and Azzurri teammate Sam Antonacci raked at the plate. He went 4-for-13, including two home runs–the first one off the bat registering at 109.5 mph, topping his previous high by over three mph– one double and no strikeouts. Teel commented, “Sam kills the baseball. He’s very talented, and he’s a gamer.” During the offseason, Antonacci was hard at work to build muscle mass and strength. White Sox director of hitting Ryan Fuller said, “He crushed the weight room, added weight, and utilized our bat speed program…that added strength is going to lend itself to being a more productive hitter.” National MLB Insider Russ Dorsey shared on a recent Mully and Haugh Show on Chicago’s 104.3 The Score broadcast that a White Sox scout guaranteed that Sam Antonacci will have a 12-to-15-year MLB career. 

Antonacci made his professional debut with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Low-A) in 2024, hitting .333 with 14 RBI in his first 23 games. In 2025, he split time between the Winston-Salem Dash (High-A) and the Birmingham Barons (Double-A). Over the course of 116 games, Antonacci hit .291 with five home runs, 57 RBI, and 48 stolen bases, proving his lightning speed and contact ability. He earned White Sox Minor League Player of the Month (June 2025) for his high OPS and impact on the base paths. After the 2025 regular season, he excelled in the Arizona Fall League, slashing .378/.505/.541 with 11 stolen bases in 19 games, further boosting his prospect status. Known for his disciplined approach at the plate with high walk rates and strong contact ability. Antonacci possesses excellent on-base skills as his stolen base totals are among the best in the White Sox system. In addition, he offers position versatility, having played second base, shortstop, and third base in the minors. Antonacci is one of Chicago’s fastest-rising prospects and Team Italy’s best kept secret. Look for him to make an impact for the Azzurri in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Team Italy Outfielders in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment

Jac Caglianone was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 1st round (6th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida. As the Gators’ only two-way player — both as a powerful hitter and an effective left-handed pitcher, the phenom set the school’s career home run record (75) and tied an NCAA Division I record by homering in nine straight games in 2024. Caglianone’s college hitting was elite with over a .410 batting average. He also was a force on the mound pitcher with impressive strikeout numbers, which resulted in receiving the 2024 John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award and being named 2024 First Team All-American.

Kansas City has used him as a position player, primarily at first base and in the outfield in the minors. He climbed the Royals’ minor league system rapidly and made his MLB debut on June 3, 2025. In his first MLB season with Kansas City, Caglianone hit seven home runs and registered 18 RBI. KCSN analyst Joel Penfield recently commented on his power potential in 2026: “The ceiling is sky-high from a power perspective. If it all comes together for him, he’s a dude who can hit 40 homers.” The former University of Florida two-way star turned Royals outfielder can change the landscape for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic with one swing of the bat.

Dominic Canzone was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 8th round (242nd overall) of the 2019 MLB Draftout of Ohio State University. He hit over .340 with strong run production and baserunning throughout his college career. Canzone set a school record with a 59-game on-base streak, breaking the mark previously held by Nick Swisher. He earned All-Big Ten honors and was named a third-team All-American as a junior.

Canzone debuted professionally in the Diamondbacks’ minor league system in 2019 and steadily worked his way up through the ranks. He made his MLB debut on July 8, 2023 with the D-backs. On July 31, 2023, he was traded mid-season to the Seattle Mariners and has since seen regular playing time in the outfield and as a left-handed bat in the lineup. In 2025, he posted a strong offensive season — hitting around .300 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI — helping solidify his role with Seattle. Notably, on September 16, 2025, he had a career-highlight performance going 5-for-5 with three home runs and four RBI — the first three-homers game of his career and a rare feat in Mariners history. The Team Italy offense is blessed with Canzone, who combines power and speed to drive balls into gaps, steal bases and manufacture runs.

Jakob Marsee was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 6th round (180th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Central Michigan University. He began his professional career that summer, splitting time between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A ball. Over the next seasons he steadily rose through the Padres’ minor league system, showing a good combination of on-base skills, power, and speed. In May 2024, Marsee was traded to the Miami Marlins organization along with other prized prospects in exchange for Luis Arráez. He continued to develop in the Marlins’ system, playing at Double-A and Triple-A before earning a big-league call-up. Marsee made his MLB debut on August 1, 2025. Marsee made Marlins history in his debut game by drawing three walks — a first in franchise history — and quickly became a fan favorite. During the 2025 season, he impressed as a rookie posting a .292 average with five home runs and 33 RBI and earned National League Rookie of the Month honors in August. Marsee has made an impact with his bat and on the basepaths, flashing excellent speed and stealing bases. Showing a mix of contact, extra-base hits, and patience at the plate, his ability to work counts, get on base, and create scoring opportunities gives Team Italy the ultimate leadoff hitter and table-setter for the dangerous power hitters that follow him.

Nick Morabito was selected by the New York Mets in the 2nd round (75th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Gonzaga College High School, where he emerged as one of Washington DC’s top high school players and earned Gatorade District of Columbia Baseball Player of the Year Award. He made his professional debut with the Florida Complex League Mets in 2022 and quickly showed development in the organization’s lower levels. During the 2024 season, splitting time between Single-A and High-A, Morabito posted a .312 batting average with 59 stolen bases, earning Mets Minor League Player of the Year honors. In 2025 playing Double-A ball, he slashed .273/.348/.385 with 49 stolen bases in 118 games, continuing to show his elite speed and overall offensive contributions. After the 2025 season, New York added Morabito to their 40-man roster. He is considered one of the Mets’ top prospects heading into 2026, valued especially for his speed, defense, and on-base skills. Capable of playing all three outfield positions, the versatile Morabito is on the cusp of becoming a major league weapon.

Dante Nori was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1st round (27th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Northville High School, where he hit .477 with 20 stolen bases to lead his team to a Michigan state championship title. Nori made his pro debut in Single-A and has climbed quickly to Double-A, showcasing his speed, contact ability, and on-base skills. During the course of 125 games in the 2025 season, he hit .261 with four home runs, 47 RBI, and recorded 52 stolen bases. Nori earned Phillies Minor League Player of the Month along the way. Baseball America and other scouts rate Nori highly for his hit tools, speed, defensive ability, and overall athleticism, projecting him as a potential future leadoff hitter and everyday outfielder. After the 2025 season he was invited to play in the Arizona Fall League, where he continued to develop against advanced competition. Equipped with elite speed and possessing a disciplined approach at the plate, Nori is considered one of the Phillies’ top prospects. He has baseball in his blood as his grandfather played professionally in the Cubs and Mets minor league systems. Look for Nori to give Team Italy a big boost in the World Baseball Classic.