Jon Berti

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

Team Italy Infielders in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

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Vinnie Pasquantino AKA “Pasquatch” and “The Italian Nightmare” was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 11th round (319th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Old Dominion University, He made his professional debut in 2019 with the Rookie-level Burlington Royals, hitting .294 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI in 57 games. After a hiatus iin 2020 due to the pandemic, he produced impressive offensive prowess in 2021 while moving up from Single-A to Double-A.

The left-handed slugger and reliable first baseman began 2022 in Triple-A before making his MLB debut on June 28, 2022. During his rookie season, he earned American League Player of the Week honors. Last season he established himself as Royals’ most dependable hitter, batting .264 with 32 home runs and 113 RBI (6th in MLB). With a big-league career .266 average with 70 homers and 262 RBI to date, Pasquantino brings consistent offensive production with power, elite plate discipline and clutch hitting ability to the Team Italy lineup.

Miles Mastrobuoni was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 14th round (420th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of the University of Nevada, Reno. Throughout his minor league career in the Rays organization, the versatile infielder posted strong offensive numbers, including a .300 batting average with 16 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 129 games at Triple-A in 2022,

Mastrobuoni made his MLB debut on September 22, 2022 and was traded later to the Chicago Cubs on November 15, 2022, He made the 2023 Cubs’ Opening Day roster and spent parts of the 2023 and 2024 seasons with Chicago. On January 14, 2025, Mastrobuoni was traded to the Seattle Mariners. In 2025 he played multiple infield and outfield positions, while providing speed offensively on the bases (22 career steals). Known for his steady contact and situational hitting, the Mariners’ prized utility player is often used off the bench as a pinch-hitter since he can move runners on the bases and possesses excellent bat control.

Jon Berti was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th round (559th overall) of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Bowling Green State University, where he set multiple school hitting records, including single-season batting average and hit total. Berti made his MLB debut with the Jays on September 26, 2018 before playing for the Miami Marlins from 2019-2023. He showcased his speed and versatility, playing multiple positions in the infield and outfield. The consummate utility player had a breakout season in 2022, when he led MLB in stolen bases (41) in just 102 games and set a record for the fewest games played in a full season by an MLB stolen-base champion. He also set a Marlins franchise record with 21 consecutive stolen bases without being caught in 2022.

Berti was traded to the New York Yankees in 2024 and contributed as a versatile professional who saw postseason action, including starts at first base during the playoffs. He signed with the Chicago Cubs in 2025 after establishing himself as a high-energy player with elite speed and excellent baserunning instincts. The proud Italian American brings his seasoned veteran presence with over eight years of MLB experience and a career .256 batting average to the Team Italy roster.

Thomas Saggese was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 5th round (145th overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Carlsbad High School. After playing his first two high school seasons at Rancho Bernardo High School, he transferred to Carlsbad as a junior and hit .422 with a .500 OBP. Saggese also tied for the San Diego Section lead with 10 home runs to earn the right to play in the San Diego Section All-Star game alongside Marcelo Mayer and Spencer Jones.

The California native made his professional debut in 2021 in Low-A, where he showcased the pop in his bat. He climbed the Rangers’ minor league system in 2022, when he was recognized as an MiLB.com Organizational All-Star, Baseball America High Class A All-Star and South Atlantic League Post-Season All-Star after hitting 15 home runs and becoming an offensive weapon. Saggese was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals on July 30, 2023, and shortly after earned Texas League MVP and Post-Season All-Star honors as a result of a batting average over .300 with 26 home runs and 111 RBI in 139 games between Double-A and Triple-A. He made his MLB debut on September 10, 2024 and went on to play in 18 games that season. The versatile infielder split time between Triple-A Memphis and the Cardinals in 2025, when he appeared in 82 games with starts at second base, shortstop, and third base. Saggese put together a .258 batting average with two homers and 25 RBI. Known for strong contact skills and the ability to drive the ball with extra bases — a skill that made him a standout in the minors, the Team Italy shortstop will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Zach Dezenzo was selected in the 12th round (373rd overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft (373rd overall) out of Ohio State University, where he earned recognition as a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball after a strong debut campaign which included double-digit home runs. Dezenzo began his pro career in Single-A with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers and climbed the Astros’ system steadily. In 2023, he impressed with power and improved contact skills, hitting 14 home runs and maintaining solid production as he moved from High-A to Double-A. He also saw action in the Arizona Fall League, gaining respected experience against top prospects.

Dezenzo made his MLB debut on August 6, 2024 and became the first alumnus of the MLB Draft League to reach the big leagues. In 2025, he made the Astros’ Opening Day roster and appeared in 34 games, batting .245 with two home runs and 10 RBI before an injury sidelined him mid-season. Dezenzo is noted for his size and power potential, possessing strong bat speed and extra-base hit ability. Defensively he has played first base, third base, and in the corner outfield, providing positional flexibility. Scouts and reports praise his improving bat-to-ball skills, which helped him sustain offensive production as he moved up in the minor leagues.

Andrew Fischer was selected in the 1st round (20th overall) of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers out of the University of Tennessee. He began his college baseball journey at Duke University, where he set the program’s freshman home run record (11) in 47 games. Fischer then transferred to the University of Mississippi for his sophomore season, leading the team in home runs, hits, RBI, and total bases, which earned him All-Region and Second Team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors. After another transfer to the University of Tennessee for the 2025 season, he had a monumental year: hitting .341/.497/.760 with 25 home runs, 65 RBI, and 70 runs scored as well as reaching base in all 65 games played. Fischer led the SEC in home runs and ranked among conference leaders in on-base percentage and slugging. Named First Team All-SEC and First Team All-American, his outstanding performance made him one of the top college bats in the country and a coveted prospect for the 2025 draft.

For the Milwaukee Brewers High-A affiliate Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the promising third baseman played in 13 games and hit .311 with one homer, 13 RBI, eight runs scored and eight stolen bases. Fischer is considered one of the Brewers’ top prospects and a potential future middle-of-the-order hitter due to his rare combination of contact skills, power, and plate discipline. Blessed with plus power to all fields from the left side of the plate, he generates consistent extra-base hits. while possessing a strong eye at the plate and high walk rates. With the ability to play the corner infield, Fischer offers defensive versatility as he develops into a budding star. He is currently the top MLB third base prospect according to both MLB PipeLine and Baseball America.

Sam Antonacci was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Coastal Carolina University, where he slashed .367/.523/.504 with six home runs and 47 RBI in Division I competition. Known for his disciplined hitting, high on-base skills, and speed, Antonacci is one of the White Sox’s top prospects. He starred at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, Illinois, batting over .530 as a senior and began his college career at Heartland Community College. As a sophomore, Antonacci led NJCAA Division II in batting average (.515), RBI (103), runs (105), hits (106), doubles (32) and on-base percentage (.618) to earn 2023 NJCAA Division II Player of the Year honors and help Heartland win a national title before transferring to Coastal Carolina University. He started all 61 games at third base for Coastal during the 2024 season, slashing .367/.523/.504. His .367 batting average and .523 on-base percentage led Coastal’s offense. Antonacci, who reached base safely in the first 44 games of the season, totaled 83 hits, 13 doubles, and six home runs that year. Defensively, he finished the season with a .911 fielding percentage at third base. In 169 chances, he recorded 55 putouts, 99 assists, and was part of nine double plays.

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. Heading into 2026, Antonacci is one of Chicago’s fastest-rising prospects since he is on the cusp of reaching Triple-A and destined to reach MLB sooner than expected. MLBPipeLine ranks him the 10th MLB second base prospect and the 11th Chicago White Sox prospect.

Signed by the New York Yankees in 2011, Renzo Martini spent five years in the minor leagues before playing in his native Venezuela. During his six-season career playing in Italy’s Serie A, corner infielder Renzo Martini has compiled an impressive .368 batting average with 63 doubles, 19 home runs, 167 RBI and 85 walks. He led Team Italy to a silver medal in the 2025 Senior Elite European Baseball Championship in Rotterdam, where the Azzurri cleanup hitter slashed .480/.552/.640 with five RBI during the competition. The corner infielder rose to the occasion in the Euro semifinal game against the Czech Republic on September 26th and hit for the cycle while scoring three runs and picking up three RBI. As a result, Renzo Martini earned the 2025 European Baseball Championship Best Hitter award. He now joins Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Canberra’s Nick Pugliese & Jon Berti add amore to ABL left behind by Alex Maestri & Adam Buschini

Roberto Angotti1 Comment

2011-12 ABL Fan Favorite Alex Maestri of the Brisbane Bandits
Italian Alex Maestri won the inaugural ABL Fan Choice Award. (ozcards.blogspot.com)
Italian bloodlines run deep in Australia and Asia. In recent years, ballplayers of Italian descent have been making their impressions felt in the Australian Baseball League and in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League. Alex Maestri–a Cesena, Emilia-Romagna native and former Chicago Cubs prospect–served as the ace of the Brisbane Bandits pitching staff during the 2011-12 Australian Baseball League season. He finished third in the ABL in innings pitched (63.2) and in strikeouts (53). With an impressive ERA (3.25) and WHIP (1.16), the first Italian-born pitcher ever signed by an MLB franchise also led the Bandits in wins (4). After a very successful stint in Australia, Maestri was recruited by the Kagawa Olive Guyners in Japan’s Independent League. Maestri dominated hitters and soon moved up the ladder to face the game’s elite in the Nippon Professional Baseball League when he was signed by the Orix Buffaloes. Maestri still continues to enjoy success in Japan.
2013 ABL Triple Crown Winner and San Diego Padres prospect Adam Buschini
Italian American infielder Adam Buschini was signed by the San Diego Padres after winning the 2013 ABL Triple Crown title.
Adam Buschini was awarded the first-ever ABL Triple Crown for his heroic 2012-13 ABL regular season. The Triple Crown–awarded to a player who has the highest batting average, the most home runs and driven in the most runs in a season–is one of the game’s rarities. The Triple Crown has only been achieved 16 times in over 130 years of MLB history. The Northern California Italian American slugger claimed the ABL Triple Crown with a .363 batting average, a league record-tying 15 homers, and an ABL record-breaking 50 RBI in just 45 games. He was named ABL Player of the Week twice. In ABL Round 10 action, Buschini went 8-for-17 (.471) with a double, three home runs and 9 RBI. He exploded in ABL Round 13 when he went 9-for-15 (.600) with four homers and 9 RBI to help the Canberra Cavalry claim the top playoff spot and eventually win the ABL Championship. Adam Buschini’s success continued as he led the Padres AA affiliate San Antonio Missions to a 2013 Texas League Championship.
Canberra's new pitching coach Hayden Beard is delighted to have Nick Pugliese in the Cavalry bullpen.
Canberra’s new pitching coach Hayden Beard is delighted to have Nick Pugliese in the Cavalry bullpen.

Hayden “Big Dog” Beard, a member of the 2012 San Antonio Missions and local resident mentor of the Canberra Cavalry pitching staff, now serves as pitching coach for the 2013-14 Canberra Cavalry. With over four years of experience in the Mets and Padres organizations, Beard knows talent when he sees it. The Big Dog is thrilled to have Nick Pugliese on the team roster after watching the former LA Angels prospect pitch for Team Italia in the 2013 World Baseball Classic as well as his stellar ABL debut performance.
Nick Pugliese in 2009 as a member of the LA Angels organization.
Nick Pugliese in 2009 after being signed by the Los Angeles Angels.
“It was good to get Nick in there during the first game of the year and get him a feel for the league,” said Beard. “He had a solid outing punching out two without yielding a hit. He threw both his sinker and slider for strikes from different arm angles with good life on his pitches. We project him as a back end of the bullpen arm at the moment.” Pugliese did not disappoint in his second ABL lights out appearance.
He struck out three more in 1.1 innings of relief, placing him third in the league in strikeouts (5 K’s
in 2.1 innings pitched). Pugliese is enjoying his time playing in a Cavalry uniform knowing full well that he could come face-to-face with his Aussie teammates in the upcoming Asia Series when he suits up for the European Cup Champion Fortitudo Bologna squad. Nick said, “So far everyone is awesome, and the country is super nice. It’s a strange scenario for the Asia Series because I play the first two weekends here in Australia then join Bologna in the same tournament my Canberra team will be going to.”
Canberra Cavalry will represent the ABL in the Asia Series beginning November 15th in Taiwan.
Canberra Cavalry will represent the ABL in the Asia Series beginning November 15.
Cavalry Although Pugliese may be conflicted on the real prospect of facing his Aussie teammates in the Asia Series–which features the champions from Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Australia and Europe–Canberra pitching coach Beard looks forward to the opportunity of his team facing its own relief pitcher. He said, “Our boys would relish the opportunity to play against him in Taiwan. It’s always fun playing against your mates!”
Toronto Blue Jays prospect Jon Berti
Cavalry infielder/Toronto Blue Jays prospect Jon Berti
Despite the loss of Pugliese’s services in the Asia Series, the Cavalry charge abroad will be mighty indeed with the addition of Toronto Blue Jays prospect Jon Berti–who he led the Single-A Advanced Florida State League in games played (128), at-bats (505), runs (85), hits (126), triples (5), walks (57), and stolen bases (56). Replacing Adam Buschini at second base, Berti is up for the challenge.
Canberra Cavalry manager Michael Collins is optimistic in 2013.
Second-year Canberra Cavalry coach Michael Collins
Voted the Florida State League’s top base running prospect by Baseball America and Team MVP by the Dunedin Blue Jays, Michigan’s Jon Berti is a welcome addition to head coach Michael Collin’s international all-star lineup. In the case of Florida’s Nick Pugliese, who rubbed shoulders with Collins in the LA Angels organization when both aspired to play MLB, it’s a reunion of two grinders who desire to keep the ABL throne in Australia’s capital.64767-004-F4711A17 “We started last season with the goal to bring the Claxton Shield to Canberra,” Collins said. “Our goal hasn’t changed coming into this season. This year we will be defending the Shield from the top and not chasing from the bottom. Cavalry General Manager Thom Carter is proud of his team and coaching staff as well as the baseball supporters in Canberra. “This is a milestone to be celebrated,” said Carter. “It shows just how much baseball has grown as a sport within the capital city. Each coach brings strong expertise to the table and as a team we couldn’t be more excited.”
Canberra Cavalry head coach Michael Collins accepts the prized Claxton Shield after winning the 2012-13 ABL Championship.
Michael Collins accepts the prized Claxton Shield after winning the 2013 ABL Championship.