Rockies Pitcher Michael Lorenzen Led Italy to Stunning 8–6 Upset Over Team USA at World Baseball Classic
Colorado Rockies pitcher Michael Lorenzen threw 4⅔ scoreless innings for Italy, helping deliver one of the biggest upsets in World Baseball Classic history with an 8–6 victory over the United States at Daikin Park in Houston.
Lorenzen, a 34-year-old right-hander, was dominant from the start. He allowed just two hits and one walk, leaving the mound with Italy holding a 5–0 lead. Italy’s offense later pushed the advantage to 8–0 before the United States mounted a late rally with six runs — but it wasn’t enough.
“It’s kind of weird throwing against your own country,” Lorenzen said, per ESPN. “But it was an incredible night.”
How an American Ended Up Pitching for Italy
Lorenzen is American-born and plays in Major League Baseball for the Colorado Rockies, but World Baseball Classic rules allow players to compete for countries where they have heritage or ancestry that makes them eligible for citizenship. That rule has allowed many players with Italian roots to suit up for Italy’s national team.
There was also a scheduling factor. Lorenzen pitched against Team USA specifically because the Rockies did not want to disrupt their rotation plans for the regular season by having him throw a day later against Mexico.
Breaking Down the Strategy
In a postgame interview, Lorenzen described his approach to facing the powerful U.S. lineup.
“Obviously, they’re really good hitters. They’re not going to stretch the zone a ton. So you got to trust your stuff. Be in the zone, mix and match. Have a good have a good plan, and yeah, we were just able to be efficient. Kind of get early out, some ground ball outs and just keep it rolling,” Lorenzen said.
The plan worked. U.S. hitters were unable to generate any runs during his time on the mound.
A Career That Spans More Than a Decade
Lorenzen was originally drafted 38th overall by the Cincinnati Reds in 2013, selected in the first round out of Cal State Fullerton, where he was a pitcher and outfielder for the Titans. He made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2015.
Over his Major League career, Lorenzen has made 119 starts and has been selected to one All-Star team. He has played for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, and Kansas City Royals.
He signed with the Angels for the 2022 season and with the Tigers before the 2023 season. That year proved to be a career highlight — Lorenzen was named an MLB All-Star in 2023.
In January 2026, Lorenzen signed a one-year contract worth $8 million with the Colorado Rockies, the club he currently calls home.
Family Life
Lorenzen is married to Cassi Lorenzen, who graduated from San Diego State University with a nursing degree and previously played volleyball at Foothill High School. The couple married in November 2016 at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego.
They welcomed their first child, June Elizabeth, in November 2022 and a baby boy born in January 2025.
Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists.
