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.

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Team Italy’s highly successful showing at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) has been fueled by a red-hot offense so far. Italy, after all, is not only a perfect 5-0 — including an impressive 8-6 victory over heavily favored Team USA in pool play — but it has scored a whopping 40 runs during its five games.

While most of Italy's success in the tournament has been the result of power and knocking the ball out of the park, Saturday's win w