Red Sox's Greg Weissert Comes Up Huge For Team Italy In WBC Quarters

Red Sox's Greg Weissert Comes Up Huge For Team Italy In WBC Quarters originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Team Italy defeated Puerto Rico 8-6 on Saturday in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals at Daikin Park, clinching a spot in the semifinals. The Italians built a substantial early cushion, pushing across six runs to take control and appear headed for a comfortable win. Puerto Rico refused to fold, however, and mounted a spirited comeback in the eighth inning. A two-run single from Christian Vazquez trimmed the margin to 8-6, loading the bases and putting the outcome in doubt.

Boston Red Sox right-hander Greg Weissert then took the mound in relief. He quickly extinguished the threat, securing the final two outs of the eighth frame with a dominant sequence that included blowing a fastball past Willi Castro . Weissert followed with a clean ninth, inducing Eddie Rosario to fly out to left field for the decisive final out and sealing the victory.

Weissert worked 1 2/3 innings overall, striking out two batters while producing three whiffs and a 21 percent whiff rate. His precise command and timely strikeouts shut down Puerto Rico’s momentum entirely.

The outing continued a pattern of clutch contributions from Weissert across the tournament, where his ability to deliver in critical spots has repeatedly helped carry Team Italy deep into the bracket.

More MLB: Meet the New Red Sox: What's Changed — and Why It Matters in 2026