Como os jogadores do Royals se saíram no jogo WBC Itália-Porto Rico

There was always a chance.

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A lot had to go right. The dominoes had to fall in order. And the clock had to strike twice.

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But there was always a chance that Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo would face his teammates in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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On Saturday, Lugo — representing Puerto Rico — took the mound against Italy in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals at Daikin Park in Houston.

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He stood squarely across from Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone.

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“No, to be honest with you,” Caglianone told reporters of any pregame banter. “I know Seth’s a very smart player. I spent a lot of time last year just talking game plan with him in the dugout. He definitely sees the game differently. But I think as long as we can keep doing what we’ve been doing, I think we’ll be in a good spot.”

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What Italy had done was exceptional. The team entered undefeated in WBC play, having taken out a pair of heavyweights in the United States and Mexico.

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Fans loved the espresso machine in the dugout. They got to know Pasquantino, Caglianone, Michael Lorenzen and a host of others.

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Saturday’s game was different. A win would propel Italy’s squad further than it had been in the global tournament.

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Lugo stood in their way … just not for long.

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In the first inning, Pasquantino laced a breaking ball into center field. The RBI single tied the game at 1-1. It was the catalyst for a four-run first inning.

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Moments later, Caglianone added an RBI single of his own. He ripped a line drive into right field as Pasquantino came home to score.

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Italy took a 3-1 lead.

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Lugo wouldn’t last much longer. He was pulled from the game after completing one-third of an inning. He was charged with four earned runs, three hits and two walks. He finished the WBC with an 8.31 ERA.

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Italy earned an 8-6 victory in convincing fashion. Pasquantino and Caglianone combined for two of the club’s eight hits.

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“It’s amazing,” Pasquantino said. “I don’t think it would be hyperbole to say this is the best day in Italian baseball history, just getting here. It’s the furthest the team’s ever been.”

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Italy has a chance to win the entire tournament. They will face Venezuela on March 16 at loanDepot Park in Miami. Venezuela defeated Japan 8-5 later Saturday night.

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With Venezuela advancing, there will be another Royals crossover. Venezuela has Royals stars Maikel Garcia, Salvador Perez and emerging pitcher Luinder Avila.

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For now, Italy is basking in the spotlight of a magical Cinderella run.

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“I was a part of the team in ‘23 that lost to Japan in this round,” Pasquantino said. “And now obviously we’ve made it a little bit further and we still have a lot of work to do. But it’s incredible for the federation — (infielder) Andrew Fischer is here, ladies and gentlemen — it’s incredible for the federation, for the work that Marco (Mazzieri, president of Italian Baseball Federation) and Francisco (Cervelli, manager) have been doing, it’s just amazing.

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“The fact that we’ve been able to advance this far just gets more eyeballs on them and it’s amazing.”