Italy pulled off a stunning 8-6 upset of Team USA in World Baseball Classic pool play, fueled by Michael Lorenzen's 4⅔ shutout innings and Aaron Judge's final strikeout. The victory, one of the tournament's biggest shocks, leaves Team USA's championship hopes in serious doubt. A team built around American-born players with Italian heritage, Italy entered as clear underdogs but dominated early, scoring three home runs and holding the Americans scoreless for nearly five innings.

Veteran right-hander Lorenzen, pitching brilliantly despite being an unlikely starter, locked down a lineup featuring Judge, Gunnar Henderson, and Kyle Schwarber, shutting them out until Henderson's leadoff homer in the sixth. The Americans managed only six runs in the final four innings, but the damage was done. Team USA now faces elimination unless Italy loses to Mexico on Wednesday, a scenario where all three Pool B teams could end at 3-1.

Italy's 3-0 record and superior run differential (6 allowed vs. USA's 11) make it the favorite to advance.