Sawt Falasteen - Italy edge Puerto Rico to reach World Baseball Classic semis

Italy –- made up mostly of American-born players with Italian heritage -– produced another power-packed hitting display to advance to the last four, where they will face either Japan or Venezuela.

"It's amazing," Italy and Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino said afterwards. "I don't know how many people would have picked the Dominican Republic, Japan, the United States and Italy in the final four -- but we're here now.

"We're going to enjoy this for the next few hours. What a group of guys. I think we've known each other for 12 days now. It's phenomenal the work this group has put in."

The Italians –- who stunned the star-studded United States lineup in group play on Tuesday -– were quick to take control of Saturday's quarter-final at Daikin Park in Houston.

Puerto Rico took an early lead with Willi Castro's leadoff home run in the top of the first inning off Italy starting pitcher Sam Aldegheri, the Los Angeles Angels left-hander who is one of the few Italian born-and-raised players on the roster.

But Italy surged back in the bottom of the inning with Pasquantino driving in a run for Sam Antonacci.

Dominic Canzone then singled to score Jakob Marsee before Jac Caglianone's ground ball to right field allowed Pasquantino to cross home plate for a 3-1 lead.

JJ D'Orazio's two-out sacrifice fly brought Canzone home for a 4-1 lead.

Puerto Rico pulled a run back when Martin Maldonado was hit by a pitch from Alek Jacob with the bases loaded but Italy extended their lead when Andrew Fischer doubled to right field on fan interference to score Pasquantino and Canzone in the fourth inning for a 6-2 lead.

Italy stretched the lead to 8-2 moments later when D'Orazio doubled down the right field line to score Caglianone and Fischer.

Yet with Italy seemingly cruising to victory, there was a nervy finish as Puerto Rico poured in four runs in the eighth inning to close the gap to two runs.

Italy's Boston Red Sox reliever Greg Weissert held his nerve in the ninth inning, though, claiming the last three outs as the Azzurri advanced.

X.Habash--SF-PST