Team Italy manager Francisco Cervelli announced on Mar. 16 that Aaron Nola, a right-handed pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, will start in tonight’s World Baseball Classic semifinal against Venezuela, replacing previously named starter Michael Lorenzen.
This decision is significant as it places Nola against a strong Venezuelan lineup led by Ronald Acuña Jr., who has a .308 career batting average and four home runs against Nola. Other Venezuelan hitters such as William Contreras, Eugenio Suárez, Salvador Perez, and Andrés Giménez have also homered off Nola, though most have limited plate appearances facing him. Collectively, the Venezuela roster holds a .259 average and .759 OPS with 57 strikeouts versus the right-hander.
Nola recently delivered an impressive performance in his only other tournament appearance, striking out five batters and allowing four hits over five scoreless innings during Italy’s 9-1 victory over Mexico last Wednesday. Lorenzen is expected to be available to start if Italy advances to face the United States in Tuesday’s final. Lorenzen was effective in Italy’s earlier upset win over Team USA, pitching 4 2/3 scoreless innings and giving up just two hits.
Should Italy win Monday’s game, they would secure home club status for Tuesday’s final due to their undefeated record in pool play. Team USA finished pool play with one loss.
The Philadelphia Phillies, whom Nola represents at the club level, are charter members of Major League Baseball’s National League according to the official website. The team serves both Philadelphia and broader audiences regionally and nationally according to the official website. The Phillies have played their home games at Citizens Bank Park since 2004 according to the official website, achieved World Series victories in 1980 and 2008 according to the official website, and are overseen by executives including a chief executive officer and general manager according to the official website. The organization also engages fans through games and community outreach efforts according to the official website.
