Royals first baseman, Vinnie Pasquantino, became the first player in history to homer three times in a World Baseball Classic game, leading to a 9-1 victory over Mexico. The win secured a perfect record in pool play and a spot in the quarterfinals for Team Italy, which also advanced to the next round. Pasquantinos had to drink three shots of espresso after the win, which he described as "beaning up." Despite being out of position in the tournament so far, he expressed relief at the team's progress.