Puerto Rico removes starter in 1st inning after Italy’s scoring outburst

Seth Lugo, who started the game on the mound for Puerto Rico, was pulled after allowing two walks and three hits, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Italy took an early 3-1 lead before Lugo was pulled out of the game, and ended the first inning with a 4-1 lead.

Italy, Canada advance to WBC quarterfinals; Dominican Republic wins pool

Elsewhere, Team Italy prevented an early exit for the U.S. by routing Mexico. Both Canada and Puerto Rico advanced out of Pool A.