Italy stun USA to leave hosts on brink at World Baseball Classic

Italy -– whose team is made up mostly of American players with Italian heritage -- roared into an 8-0 lead after home runs from catcher Kyle Teel, shortstop Sam Antonacci and outfielder Jac Caglianone. The US rallied in the late innings to set up a nervy finale, but Italy held on to seal a famous win in Houston. The result means the USA, one of the favourites for the tournament with a team packed with Major League Baseball stars, are now sweating on the outcome of Italy's final Pool B game against Mexico on Wednesday.