Royals star Vinnie Pasquantino sets a WBC record as Italy reaches quarterfinals
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- Vinnie Pasquantino hit three homers, the first player to do so in a WBC game.
- Italy beat Mexico 9-1, finished 4-0 in Pool B and advanced to quarterfinals.
- Pasquantino’s breakout boosts his All-Star profile and Royals 2026 hopes.
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino stepped into the national spotlight on Wednesday. And he did so representing his proud Italian heritage.
Pasquantino made history — while representing Team Italy — against Mexico at Daikin Park in Houston. He became the first player to hit three home runs in a single WBC game.
Italy rode his momentum to a 9-1 victory, advancing to this weekend’s WBC quarterfinals.
“I don’t even know what I’m feeling right now,” Pasquantino said after the game on the FS1 telecast. “I never felt this before. I know we didn’t win anything. We won the pool and we advanced, but ... (w)e had expectations that we could and we did. We knew what we needed to do tonight.
“And once we scored four runs, it was like alright we better win this thing.”
Pasquantino has thrived as Italy’s team captain. He set up an espresso machine in the dugout and every player who hits a homer takes a celebratory coffee shot. Several WBC teammates lauded Pasquantino for his leadership on and off the field.
“(I’m) caffeinated,” Pasquantino said. “I’m beaned up right now. We are in a great spot.”
On Wednesday, Pasquantino put the team on his back. He entered 0-for-12 in the WBC tournament but broke out in a major way.
In the second inning, Pasquantino hit a solo homer off Mexico starter Javier Assad to give Italy an early 1-0 lead. The baseball traveled 342 feet and narrowly landed in play, falling into the right-field seats.
Pasquantino wouldn’t have another close call.
He belted his second homer in the sixth inning. This time, the baseball stayed fair down the right-field line. Italy extended its lead and also helped send the U.S. into the quarterfinals with the victory.
“That was unbelievable, huh,” Pasquantino said in a joking manner. “You’re welcome, USA. We were thinking of you guys over at your hotel. We were thinking of you guys. I’m glad you could join us in the party.”
Pasquantino wasn’t done after homer No. 2.
His final one traveled 337 feet and was historic. The blast registered a 37-degree launch angle and a 90.9 mph exit velocity. It was the first time he has hit three homers in his major-league or WBC career.
Pasquantino had a shot at a fourth homer in the ninth inning. He faced Mexico closer Andres Munoz and drew a walk in his final at-bat.
“I’m pretty sure everybody knew how I’d been hitting in this tournament,” Pasquantino said. “I knew. Any way you can get a hit, you just try to get on base and help the team. I never hit three home runs in a game before, so that’s kind of cool.”
Italy finished 4-0 in Pool B play. Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone was impactful against Team USA on Tuesday.
Pasquantino, meanwhile, showcased his All-Star potential to a national audience in the biggest moments. The Royals hope he can build on his WBC success. Last season, he belted 32 homers and recorded 113 RBIs.
Once the WBC ends and the 2026 MLB season begins, he will be back in his customary run-producing spot alongside Royals teammates Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Maikel Garcia.
Until then, he has set his sights on winning the 2026 WBC championship. He would seem to have a good chance of doing so after Wednesday’s performance.
“It’s pretty special and this is a really cool group,” Pasquantino said. “Whatever happens next, we are going to be ready for it. I’m honored to just be a part of this.”
