World Baseball Classic scores 2013: Puerto Rico eliminates Italy

For the second consecutive game, the Italian bullpen failed to hold onto a lead late in the game. Just like the previous day, Italy jumped out ahead on Wednesday, plating three runs in the fifth on a bases-clearing double from Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Puerto Rico got one back in the sixth when Italian shortstop Anthony Granato booted an inning-ending grounder, but stayed quiet on offense otherwise. The Italians held on to their 3-1 lead until the bottom-half of the eighth, when the bullpen by committee fell apart yet again. Puerto Rico had been held to just four hits through the first seven innings, but managed to double that total in the eighth, plating three runs on four singles, a ground out, and a sac fly. Andy Gonzalez notched the game-winning hit for the Puerto Rican squad, sending them to another do-or-die contest against the loser of Thursday's USA vs. Dominican Republic game.