USA baseball lineup vs. Italy: Updated batting order, starting pitchers for 2026 World Baseball Classic

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Team USA is off to a 3-0 start with just one pool game remaining in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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The U.S. defeated Mexico 5-3 in its toughest game yet. The United States will close out its first-round series against Italy on Tuesday, March 10 at 9 p.m. ET.

A win would give Team USA a 4-0 lead and an automatic berth into the knockout rounds. Italy, on the other hand, has just played its third match in the group stage and will also play Mexico on Wednesday. Italy are currently undefeated in two games and a victory over the United States could be an extremely important decider depending on the outcome of Italy’s match against Mexico.

Here’s more information on how Team USA will line up for their final pool game against Italy.

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USA Baseball Lineup vs. Italy

Team USA coach Mark DeRosa used different lineups for the first and second games of the team’s 2026 WBC. After a day off, the U.S. played a tough match against Mexico, and DeRosa selected the lineup for Game 1. Will he be a running back on his final pool play? Or will DeRosa use the same lineup from Game 2 and let different players play some games before the knockout stages?

Here’s a look at Team USA’s lineup for their Game 3 win over Mexico.

Witt had a strong performance against Mexico, collecting two hits and driving in a run in five sets. Judge continued to play Captain America, hitting a two-run homer in the third inning. Anthony showed why Boston Red Sox fans are so excited about him this year after he put the ball over the fence in right-center field.

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Raleigh will likely be replaced by Will Smith. DeRosa rotated catcher in three games, but the Seattle Mariners slugger also went 0-3 at the plate with three strikeouts against Mexico. Harper also struggled at the plate, striking out three times to tie the game at 1-5.

Who is Team USA’s starting pitcher?

Team USA has yet to announce its official starting lineup against Italy. Prior to the 2026 WBC, DeRosa’s projected pitching order was Logan Webber in Game 1, Tarik Skubal in Game 2, Paul Skenes in Game 3 and Nolan McClain in Game 4. That’s been true for the first three games so far, so McLean is expected to start the fourth game against Italy.

The New York Mets pitcher has yet to pitch in a 2026 WBC game. He made eight starts in 2025, going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA. McClain will be a staple of the Mets’ 2025 rotation and is not only the No. 1 prospect in the state of New York, but the No. 6 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB.com.

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Additionally, with Skubal leaving Team USA to focus on the upcoming season, McClain is also expected to start if Team USA makes it to the WBC Championship.

More 2026 World Baseball Classic:

Who is Italy’s starting pitcher?

Italy has yet to announce its starters for the pool match against the United States. They have options, but the most likely ones are Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola or Colorado Rockies starter Michael Lorenzen. The latter would be an exciting option, as Lorenzen was one of the pitchers who used to love hitting in the NL before the universal DH rule, so it’s possible, though unlikely, that he could pitch and DH in the WBC if he starts.

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Nora is in trouble in 2025. He made 17 starts but finished with a 5-10 record and a career-worst 6.01 ERA. Lorenzen spends the 2025 season with the Kansas City Royals. He appeared in 27 games, starting 26 of them. Lorenzen finished with a 7-11 record and a 4.64 ERA.

More 2026 World Baseball Classic:

USA World Baseball Classic roster

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