Team USA faces Italy and they could be in for a quick exit from the World Baseball Classic. Italy is absolutely on fire while the U.S. stars are barely in Spring Training mode. With their game going off at 9 p.m. ET, Italy has a great chance of putting away the USA today and solidify their spot in the second round of the World Baseball Classic.
The Americans aren't in the same shape as these other guys int he World Baseball Classic, even though some of these players have been training a little earlier than they usually do. However, after yesterday's poor performance against Mexico, Team USA looks vulnerable.
Ryan Vogelsong will take the mound for Team USA.. So far in eight innings pitched during Spring Training, Vogelsong, the San Francisco Giants' starting pitcher has allowed three runs.
It can be a blessing in disguise that the Italians aren't major league stars since they haven't seen Vogelsong, but they are a pesky team that has proven to battle back late in games to win.
Once Team USA fell behind Mexico early in the beginning of the game, it was difficult to imagine them coming back in the game. So if Vogelsong gives up three runs in this game, it won't be good news for the U.S.
The Italians have all the momentum in this one and in sports, momentum is sometimes more important than actually skill and talent. The U.S. hasn't had a chance to gain momentum and Italy has a chance to play, not only for the second round, but for the possibility of upsetting a powerhouse as well as going undefeated in the first round of the WBC.
It's hard to say what the Americans will give tonight, but it's simple, lose and they go home.
