March 12 (UPI) -- Vinnie Pasquantino homered a record three times to lead undefeated Italy past Mexico in a pool play finale of the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday in Houston.
The Kansas City Royals first baseman/designated hitter entered the night 0 for 12 in the tournament, without a three home run game in his baseball career, including in Little League. He is now the only player in history to accomplish the feat in the World Baseball Classic.
With the 9-1 victory, Italy remained perfect (4-0) while also helping Team USA (3-1) clinch another quarterfinal spot as the second-best team in Pool B. The Mexicans (2-2) were eliminated from the tournament.
"The job is not done yet," Italy manager Francisco Cervelli said on the FS1 broadcast from Daikin Park. "We've got to get to Miami [for the semifinals and final].
"I need to experience that."
