Venezuela Vs Italy: Nola To Start WBC Semifinal For Italy Instead Of Lorenzen
Italy will start Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola in Monday night’s World Baseball Classic semifinal against Venezuela, a move Italy manager Francisco Cervelli announced after making the decision on Sunday. Venezuela Vs Italy will now feature Nola on the mound for Italy and Keider Montero for Venezuela.
What Italy Announced For Venezuela Vs Italy
Cervelli said he made the choice on Sunday but waited until Monday to make it public, saying, “My reason was my gut. ” He added that everyone was available but that he believed Nola was the right person and that he was taking responsibility for the decision. Nola is a 32-year-old right-hander.
Nola earned the win in Italy’s group-stage finale against Mexico on March 11, allowing four hits over five scoreless innings with five strikeouts and one walk while throwing 69 pitches. He will take the mound in place of Michael Lorenzen for the semifinal.
Venezuela Starter, Broadcast Time And What’s Next
Venezuela will counter with 25-year-old right-hander Keider Montero. The winner of the Italy–Venezuela game will meet the United States in the World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday night. The Italy–Venezuela semifinal is set for 8: 00 pm ET.
Cervelli’s late announcement and his straightforward explanation leave the focus squarely on the matchup itself: two right-handed starters and a berth in the tournament final at stake. With the roster decisions settled for the semifinal, attention will turn to starting pitchers and how each team manages its bullpen if they advance to the championship game.
