Italy defeated Mexico 6-5 in a thrilling game that went down to the wire and had fans at the edge of their seats. The Italians battled and came back a couple of times to defeat the Mexicans in their Pool D matchup. There was drama all the way through this game.
Jason Grilli was awarded with the save but not before running into trouble in the bottom of the ninth inning as he loading up the bases. He eventually retired Jorge Cantu on a groundball to second base.
This game went down to the wire and the Italians survived this first intense Pool D matchup.
The way fans were reacting at the game, they made it seem like it was the championship game or even Game 7 of the World Series.
The Italians and Mexicans exchanged leads a couple of times in this one.
First, the Italians quickly feasted on Mexican starter, Rodrigo Lopez putting up two runs in the first inning of the game after stringing together a couple of singles
The Mexicans didn't waste any time to answer back putting up three runs in the first inning thanks to a Cantu, remember him, infielder for the Florida Marlins? He doubled in the bottom of the first inning driving in three runs and giving the Mexicans the league.
After adding another run in the second, Italy went to work. In the fourth inning with Mario Chiarini at the plate, Drew Butera tied it with a home run making it 4-4.
An inning and a half later, the Mexicans regained the lead to make it a 5-4 game. They took the lead to the bottom of the ninth inning, but Italy never gave up.
With Sergio Romo on the mound, the World Series winning closer of the San Francisco Giants, the Mexicans and everybody in the crowd thought this game was done. However, Nick Punto doubled with one out and then Chris Denofia reached on a single to put runners on the corners.
The young sensation, Anthony Rizzo came through for his nation sending a double to opposite field off the glove of Edgar Gonzalez. This in turn gave the Italians a 6-5 lead.
It was absolute mayhem and things just escalated in the ninth inning as the Mexicans returned the favor making this one thrilling to the end.