Vinnie Pasquantino’s wife responds as Seth Lugo’s wife cheers Italy despite Puerto Rico’s painful World Baseball Classic defeat (Image via Getty)
Vinnie Pasquantino and Team Italy moved one step closer to the World Baseball Classic title after beating Puerto Rico 8–6 on Saturday at Daikin Park in Houston. The win pushed Italy into the tournament’s semifinal round for the first time in the event’s history.
The result also created a strange but friendly moment off the field. Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo had started the game for Puerto Rico but struggled on the mound. He recorded only one out and allowed four earned runs on three hits while also walking two batters. Even though Puerto Rico lost, Seth Lugo’s wife, Amanda Lugo, showed support for her friends instead of focusing on the disappointment. She posted a photo on Instagram with Vinnie Pasquantino’s wife, Ryann Pasquantino.
Both were wearing custom outfits supporting their husbands’ teams.Amanda Lugo wrote, “Sad for us tonight but so happy for our friends and cheering for Italy to go win it all!”Ryann Pasquantino later shared the same post on her Instagram story, showing the friendly bond between the families despite the tough result on the field.
Vinnie Pasquantino leads Team Italy past Seth Lugo’s Puerto Rico as Ryann Pasquantino celebrates historic World Baseball Classic semifinal berth
Team Italy started the game fast and put pressure on Puerto Rico right away. The Italian lineup scored four runs in the first inning, taking early control of the game.
That early surge came against Seth Lugo, who had a difficult outing on the mound.Italy kept the momentum going and added four more runs in the fourth inning, building an 8–1 lead. Puerto Rico tried to fight back later in the game and scored four runs in the eighth inning, but the comeback came too late. Italy held on to win 8–6.The victory marked a historic moment for the Italian team. It was the first time Italy reached the final four stage of the World Baseball Classic.
The milestone quickly spread across social media, where players’ families and fans celebrated the moment.Ryann Pasquantino also shared the excitement online. She reposted a graphic shared by Major League Baseball and the World Baseball Classic accounts that highlighted Italy’s big win. Along with the post, she wrote, “Miami bound.”Vinnie Pasquantino has been one of the biggest reasons for Italy’s strong run in the tournament.
The first baseman and team captain has delivered key hits throughout the competition. Through the quarterfinals, he recorded four hits, three home runs and four RBIs.Against Puerto Rico, Vinnie Pasquantino again helped the offense. He went one for three at the plate, drove in a run with a single, drew two walks and also stole a base. His steady performance helped Italy maintain control during the game.The tournament now moves to Miami, where the semifinals will take place at LoanDepot Park.
According to Major League Baseball and World Baseball Classic organizers, the United States will face the Dominican Republic in the first semifinal. Italy will then play Venezuela in the second semifinal.So far, both Italy and the Dominican Republic remain unbeaten in the tournament. Meanwhile, the United States and Venezuela each suffered one loss during the pool stage. Notably, Team USA’s only defeat came against Italy earlier in the competition.
