Italy faces Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic semifinal on March 16 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1.
Venezuela advanced by eliminating defending champion Japan, while Italy upset the United States in group play.
Michael Lorenzen will start for Italy, coming off a strong performance against the U.S., while Keider Montero starts for Venezuela.
The winner advances to the championship game on March 17 on FOX, with Italy potentially starting Aaron Nola if they win.
📖 Full Retelling
Italy continues its unlikely run at the World Baseball Classic and will next take on Venezuela in Monday's semifinal game. The Venezuelans are having their own storybook run after eliminating Shohei Ohtani and defending WBC champions Japan in the quarterfinals. Next up is a spot in the final. The game will be Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1. How to Watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic FOX is your exclusive home to the WBC with games spread across the FOX family of networks. The Italy vs. Venezuela semifinal is on FS1 on Monday (8 p.m. ET). The Championship Game will be on FOX on Tuesday, March 17 (8 p.m. ET). All games will be available for streaming on the FOX Sports app and FOX One. Catch the action on the following streaming options: Italy vs. Venezuela Lineups, Pitchers Michael Lorenzen will start for Italy and Keider Montero for Venezuela. A 34-year-old right-hander, Lorenzen pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings in the group stage 8-6 upset of the United States on Tuesday. "I faced him many times,' said Italy manager Francisco Cervelli, a former big league catcher. "This is the perfect guy." Lorenzen, an All-Star in 2023, was 7-11 with a 4.64 ERA in 26 starts and one relief appearances for Kansas City last year, then became a free agent and signed an $8 million, one-year contract with Colorado. If Italy wins, Aaron Nola would be lined up to start Tuesday night's final against the U.S. or the Dominican Republic. Montero, a 25-year-old right-hander, pitched three scoreless innings of relief on Monday in a 4-0 first-round win over Nicaragua. He made his big league debut on May 29, 2024, and was 5-3 with a 4.37 ERA in 12 starts and eight relief appearances last year for Detroit during a season in which he was optioned to Triple-A Toledo six times. Monero was 4-4 with a 5.91 ERA in eight starts and two relief appearances for the Mud Hens. Montero had three postseason appearances last year and got a save in the AL Division Series opener, an 11-inning win over Clevel
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Sports, Baseball, Tournament
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This semifinal matchup matters because it represents the continued globalization of baseball, with traditional power Venezuela facing surprising contender Italy in a premier international tournament. The outcome affects national pride for both countries, MLB teams evaluating players' international performances, and the growing fanbase of the World Baseball Classic. A Venezuela win would advance a baseball-crazed nation to the championship, while an Italy victory would continue one of the tournament's most compelling underdog stories and potentially impact MLB free agency interest in Italian players.
Context & Background
The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament first held in 2006, featuring national teams from around the world competing every 3-4 years
Venezuela has historically been a baseball powerhouse, producing numerous MLB stars, while Italy has traditionally been considered a secondary baseball nation in Europe
Italy's surprising run included an 8-6 upset victory over the United States in the group stage, making them unexpected semifinalists
Venezuela eliminated defending champion Japan in the quarterfinals, ending Shohei Ohtani's tournament run
The tournament occurs during MLB spring training, with professional players representing their home countries
What Happens Next
The winner advances to the championship game on Tuesday, March 17 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX against either the United States or Dominican Republic. If Italy wins, Aaron Nola would be lined up to start the championship game. The losing team's tournament ends, with players returning to their MLB spring training camps or offseason activities. The championship game will crown the 2026 World Baseball Classic champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Italy vs. Venezuela game and where can I watch it?
The game is Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, with streaming available on the FOX Sports app and FOX One. The championship game will be Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
Who are the starting pitchers for this semifinal matchup?
Michael Lorenzen will start for Italy, coming off 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the United States. Keider Montero starts for Venezuela after pitching three scoreless relief innings against Nicaragua.
How did Italy reach the semifinals as an underdog?
Italy upset the United States 8-6 in group play and won other key matchups to advance. Their success represents one of the tournament's biggest surprises given Italy's traditional status as a secondary baseball nation.
What happens if Italy wins the semifinal?
If Italy wins, Aaron Nola would be lined up to start Tuesday's championship game. Their victory would continue one of the most unexpected runs in World Baseball Classic history.
Why is Venezuela's quarterfinal victory significant?
Venezuela eliminated defending champion Japan and superstar Shohei Ohtani, demonstrating their tournament credentials and advancing a traditional baseball power to the semifinals against an unexpected opponent.
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Original Source
Italy continues its unlikely run at the World Baseball Classic and will next take on Venezuela in Monday's semifinal game. The Venezuelans are having their own storybook run after eliminating Shohei Ohtani and defending WBC champions Japan in the quarterfinals. Next up is a spot in the final. The game will be Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1. How to Watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic FOX is your exclusive home to the WBC with games spread across the FOX family of networks. The Italy vs. Venezuela semifinal is on FS1 on Monday (8 p.m. ET). The Championship Game will be on FOX on Tuesday, March 17 (8 p.m. ET). All games will be available for streaming on the FOX Sports app and FOX One. Catch the action on the following streaming options: Italy vs. Venezuela Lineups, Pitchers Michael Lorenzen will start for Italy and Keider Montero for Venezuela. A 34-year-old right-hander, Lorenzen pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings in the group stage 8-6 upset of the United States on Tuesday. "I faced him many times,' said Italy manager Francisco Cervelli, a former big league catcher. "This is the perfect guy." Lorenzen, an All-Star in 2023, was 7-11 with a 4.64 ERA in 26 starts and one relief appearances for Kansas City last year, then became a free agent and signed an $8 million, one-year contract with Colorado. If Italy wins, Aaron Nola would be lined up to start Tuesday night's final against the U.S. or the Dominican Republic. Montero, a 25-year-old right-hander, pitched three scoreless innings of relief on Monday in a 4-0 first-round win over Nicaragua. He made his big league debut on May 29, 2024, and was 5-3 with a 4.37 ERA in 12 starts and eight relief appearances last year for Detroit during a season in which he was optioned to Triple-A Toledo six times. Monero was 4-4 with a 5.91 ERA in eight starts and two relief appearances for the Mud Hens. Montero had three postseason appearances last year and got a save in the AL Division Series opener, an 11-inning win over Clevel
