The pitcher who shut down Team USA in the World Baseball Classic wasn't who many fans expected. Michael Lorenzen, the Colorado Rockies right-hander born in Anaheim, California, threw 4⅔ scoreless innings to help Italy defeat the United States 8-6 at Daikin Park in Houston. The performance on March 10, 2026, delivered one of the tournament's biggest upsets - and introduced many casual fans to the MLB veteran now pitching for Italy. How Lorenzen Shut Down Team USA's Lineup Lorenzen was dominant from the first pitch.