There was always a chance.
A lot had to go right. The dominoes had to fall in order. And the clock had to strike twice.
But there was always a chance that Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo would face his teammates in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
On Saturday, Lugo — representing Puerto Rico — took the mound against Italy in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals at Daikin Park in Houston.
He stood squarely across from Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone.
“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.”
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.
Fans loved the espresso machine in the dugout. They got to know Pasquantino, Caglianone, Michael Lorenzen and a host of others.
Saturday’s game was different. A win would propel Italy’s squad further than it had been in the global tournament.
Lugo stood in their way … just not for long.
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.
Moments later, Caglianone added an RBI single of his own. He ripped a line drive into right field as Pasquantino came home to score.
Italy took a 3-1 lead.
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.
Italy earned an 8-6 victory in convincing fashion. Pasquantino and Caglianone combined for two of the club’s eight hits.
“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.”
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.
With Venezuela advancing, there will be another Royals crossover. Venezuela has Royals stars Maikel Garcia, Salvador Perez and emerging pitcher Luinder Avila.
For now, Italy is basking in the spotlight of a magical Cinderella run.
“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.
“The fact that we’ve been able to advance this far just gets more eyeballs on them and it’s amazing.”
Related Stories from Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star
Jaylon Thompson covers the Royals for The Kansas City Star. He previously covered the 2021 World Series and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.