There will be no tomorrow for either Italy or Puerto Rico after this game is over. Check out the live stream provided by World Baseball Classic allowing you to enjoy the action free online. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET and the link will be provided at the end of the article.
On the mound for both teams will be two dominant starts. Both Giancarlo Alvarado and Alex Maestri are coming off of solid pitching performances that ultimately allowed their nations to win in the first round of the tournament.
When facing Canada, Maestri mastered them allowing just one run on three hits in three innings pitched while walking one and striking out three. Alvarado completely shutdown Spain pitching four innings allowing just one hit and striking out four.
Puerto Rico and Italy have lost their last two games and could use a victory to build back their momentum. The loser will have to play either the U.S. or the Dominican team to get into the World Baseball Classic semifinals which will be played in San Francisco.
Aside from Japan, the Dominican Republic and the U.S. are the toughest teams around. Look for both teams to come out on the attack early in this game as neither would want to go home.
Regardless of the outcome, if Italy loses, their message has been sent: they love soccer, but they can compete in baseball with the top teams in the world.