Italy’s Aaron Nola has cold reaction to helping Team USA advance in World Baseball Classic

· Yahoo Sports

By the time Team Italy starting pitcher Aaron Nola left Wednesday’s game against Mexico, he had done enough to keep Team USA alive in the World Baseball Classic.

Nola pitched five shutout innings, allowing just four hits, to lead Italy to a 9-1 victory. Italy finished 4-0 in Pool B play after defeating Team USA on Tuesday.

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Team USA also advanced to the WBC quarterfinals as the pool runner-up with a 3-1 record. The Americans entered Wednesday needing an Italy victory or a Mexico victory in which it scored five or more runs.

When Nola left the game, Italy led 5-0. So Mexico would have to score at least six runs to win. Barring extra innings, USA was home free.

But after the game, the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher wasn’t interested in talking about how Italy’s win helped the USA.

“I don’t think anybody in the clubhouse was worried about USA getting in or not getting in,” Nola said, per Philadelphia sports anchor Jeff Skversky.

“We were just focusing on the game. We’re not going to go out there and try to score a certain amount of runs or do this or that. … It’s a big-league baseball game. We’re going to go out and try to win it however we can. … That’s what we did tonight.”

Nola said neither of the two Phillies stars who play for Team USA, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, reached out to thank him.

Italy first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) reacts after hitting a home run against Mexico in the sixth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

An 11-year pro, Nola was born in Louisiana and played his college ball for the LSU Tigers. He and Kansas City Royals slugger Vinnie Pasquantino, who hit three home runs Wednesday, could play for Team USA. They were not selected for the American squad. Pasquantino, who is from Virginia, and Nola both have Italian heritage on their fathers’ sides.

For his part, Pasquantino offered a direct message to Team USA: “You’re welcome, USA.”

Team USA advances to meet Canada in the WBC quarterfinals at Houston’s Daikin Park at 8 p.m. ET Friday on Fox. Italy will take on Puerto Rico at 3 p.m. ET Saturday on Fox Sports 1, also in Houston.

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