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Fresh off an emotional, high-stakes win over Mexico, Team USA returns to the diamond at Daikin Park on Tuesday night to close out Pool B play against a surging Italy squad.

With a potential top seed in the quarterfinals on the line, the 3-0 Americans will look to maintain their momentum in Houston and stifle an Italian roster that has already proven to be one of the tournament’s most dangerous spoilers. 

STREAM: Watch USA vs. Italy live with Fubo (free trial)

The matchup features a fascinating clash of styles as Mark DeRosa’s star-studded lineup, anchored by captain Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr., faces an undefeated Italy team fueled by standout performances from Vinnie Pasquantino and a pitching staff that has consistently overperformed expectations. For the United States, the focus remains on defensive precision and early run support to ensure their path to Miami stays clear of any late-round drama.

First pitch is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on FS1, as Houston prepares for one last night of electric atmosphere before the World Baseball Classic shifts into its knockout phase.

The Sporting News is following all the action from Team USA’s final group stage game in the WBC. Check out all the updates below.

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC HQ: Live scores | Updated standings | Full TV schedule

USA vs. Italy baseball score

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Italy                    
USA                    

USA vs. Italy live updates, highlights from 2026 World Baseball Classic game

8:20 p.m.: Nolan McLean just got to the big leagues, but he already has the respect of plenty of stars. This includes his USA teammate Bryce Harper, who called the pitcher the best arm he saw last season.

8:00 p.m.: Here are the USA and Italy lineups, side-by-side.

7:43 p.m.: We’re less than 90 minutes away.

7:27 p.m.: With a win tonight, Team USA will officially win Group B and move onto the quarterfinals. With a loss, the U.S. still should be advancing due to run differential, but its path will be harder, likely facing one of Puerto Rico, Japan or the Dominican Republic.

If the U.S. handles business, Mexico and Italy will enter their matchup with identical 2-1 records and the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.

7:08 p.m.: The lineup for Team Italy has also been released.

Captain Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals bats in the three spot, with his teammate Jac Caglianone in the seven slot.

6:46 p.m.: Team USA has plenty of offensive firepower, but of course at the front is four-time AL MVP Aaron Judge.

The captain has hit two home runs so far this tournament, including a two-run shot to break the deadlock last night against Mexico.

6:17 p.m.: Here’s the full history of Team USA and Italy’s matchups.

With a win tonight, the U.S. would be 4-0 for the first time ever.

6:00 p.m.: Michael Lorenzen will take the mound for Italy tonight as a veteran presence, having recently signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Colorado Rockies for the 2026 season.

The former All-Star is known for his remarkable versatility as a former two-way player, though he now focuses on a deep pitching arsenal that helped him log over 140 innings for the Royals last season.

5:34 p.m.: Nolan McLean and Team USA are on-site.

5:11 p.m.: Through three games, Team USA has outscored opponents 29-9.

5:00 p.m.: Team USA extended their perfect start to the World Baseball Classic with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Mexico last night at Daikin Park.

Paul Skenes set the tone early with four dominant, scoreless innings, while Aaron Judge and Roman Anthony provided the offensive spark with home runs during a decisive five-run third inning. Despite a late surge from Mexico fueled by two home runs from Jarren Duran, the American bullpen held firm to improve the squad to 3-0 in Pool B.

4:20 p.m.: Team USA’s lineup has been released.

With the U.S. sitting on top of the group and almost surely in the knockout stage, there a five changes:

  • Gunnar Henderson replaces Alex Bregman at 3B
  • Wil Smith replaces Cal Raleigh at C
  • Paul Goldschmidt replaces Byrce Harper at 1B
  • Ernie Clement replaces Brice Turang at 2B
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong replaces Byron Buxton in CF

Taking the bump for the U.S.: New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean.

4:18 p.m.: Today, the United States plays its final game of the World Baseball Classic group stage against 2-0 Italy. Standing at a perfect 3-0, Team USA can clinch the top seed in Pool B and a direct ticket to the Houston quarterfinals with a win at Daikin Park.

The Americans will hand the ball to rookie right-hander Nolan McLean, who is coming off a dominant debut season with the New York Mets. McLean follows a high-profile rotation that has already seen the likes of Logan Webb, Tarik Skubal, and Paul Skenes stifle opponents. Italy, however, has been one of the tournament’s biggest surprises; behind a lineup featuring power hitters like Dante Nori and Dominic Canzone, the Italians have outscored their first two opponents 15-4.

The matchup is a high-stakes finale for the group. While the U.S. is heavily favored, an upset by Italy would create a potential three-way tie with Mexico, leaving the Americans to rely on tiebreaker math to determine their postseason fate.

Where to watch USA vs. Italy in WBC

USA vs. Italy start time

  • Date: Tuesday, March 10
  • Start time: 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT

Team USA’s final Group B game against Italy will take place on Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. ET. Both teams enter the matchup undefeated, with the USA advancing to 3-0 on Monday night with a win over Mexico. Meanwhile, Italy is 2-0 after picking up wins over Brazil and Great Britain. 

What channel is USA vs. Italy on today?

  • TV channel: FS1
  • Live stream: Fubo

Tuesday night’s Pool B finale between the USA and Italy will air live on FS1 at 9 p.m. ET. For those without cable, Fubo offers a free trial for new users looking to catch the action in Houston.

MORE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 2026:

USA World Baseball Classic schedule 2026

Date Opponent Time (ET) TV Channel
3/6 USA 15, Brazil 5 8:00 p.m. Fox, Fubo
3/7 USA 9, Great Britain 1 8:00 p.m. Fox, Fubo
3/9 USA 5, Mexico 3 8:00 p.m. Fox, Fubo
3/10 vs. Italy 8:00 p.m. FS1, Fubo
3/13 or 3/14 Quarterfinals TBD TBD, Fubo
3/15 or 3/16 Semifinals 8:00 p.m. FS1, Fubo
3/17 Finals 8:00 pm. Fox, Fubo

MORE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 2026: 

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