HOUSTON, TX - Vinnie Pasquantino delivered a performance for the ages, turning Team Italy’s tournament run into an unforgettable chapter in baseball lore.
On a memorable Wednesday night in Houston, Pasquantino, Italy’s first baseman, smashed three solo home runs, leading Italy to a commanding 9-1 victory over Mexico. This historic feat marked the first three-homer game in World Baseball Classic history and propelled Italy into the quarterfinals as the winner of Pool B. For Dodgers fans, there’s an added twist of irony, as Pasquantino has been part of a lighthearted narrative involving none other than Shohei Ohtani over the past year.
A Fastball Friendship
This tale is a delightful mix of baseball prowess, humor, and mutual respect. Before the 2025 World Series, Pasquantino, playing the role of a roving reporter, humorously questioned Ohtani at Media Day: “Why do you throw so hard to me, and why do you hate me?”
Ohtani’s response, via interpreter Will Ireton, was classic Shohei: acknowledging Pasquantino as “a really good hitter” and thus deserving of his best. Pasquantino’s playful retort that Ohtani’s explanation wasn’t satisfactory only added to the charm.
MLB spotlighted this exchange, capturing a dangerous hitter jesting about facing the sport’s most talented player.
The humor is rooted in real competition. On June 28, 2025, during a matchup between the Dodgers and Royals, Ohtani unleashed his fastest pitch ever-a blistering 101.7 mph fastball-against Pasquantino.
Though it resulted in a double play, Pasquantino had the last laugh, homering and doubling while driving in five runs, leading the Royals to a 9-5 victory. In the WBC, Ohtani once again unleashed a triple-digit heater at Pasquantino, marking the two fastest pitches of his career, both aimed at the same formidable hitter.
This wasn’t just a random quip at the World Series. It came from a player who had faced Ohtani’s full arsenal and lived to tell the tale.
Italy’s Emotional Anchor
Pasquantino’s appeal goes beyond his humor. He can joke about Ohtani one moment and then become the focal point of a crucial international game the next.
Italy’s victory over Team USA was already a major WBC surprise, and Pasquantino’s subsequent power display against Mexico solidified his status. Italy didn’t just scrape through; they dominated Pool B with a 4-0 record, with Pasquantino’s home runs becoming the defining image of their success.
For Dodgers fans, this narrative feels familiar. Ohtani has become a global icon by commanding every stage he steps on.
Pasquantino, while on a different fame trajectory, mirrored that by seizing the international spotlight for Italy. The playful banter with Ohtani added an extra layer of excitement for anyone sporting Dodger blue.
Rivalry in Jest
This story also highlights a broader truth in baseball: rivalries often carry a sense of camaraderie. Pasquantino clearly respects Ohtani, and the feeling is mutual.
Ohtani fires 101.7 mph pitches because he knows he must. Pasquantino, in turn, jokes about the intensity.
Then both return to making waves in the biggest games.
So, as Team Italy revels in their hero, Vinnie Pasquantino, who made WBC history with three swings, fans can enjoy the narrative. His playful history with Ohtani only adds to the allure.
Should Japan face Italy in the semifinals, a Pasquantino-Ohtani rematch would be a treat. Although Ohtani isn’t scheduled to pitch, the prospect of these two crossing paths again is tantalizing.