Red Sox's Greg Weissert Secures Save For Team Italy In WBC Win Over Team USA
Red Sox's Greg Weissert Secures Save For Team Italy In WBC Win Over Team USA originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Boston Red Sox reliever Greg Weissert delivered a pivotal performance for Team Italy on Tuesday in the World Baseball Classic, striking out New York Yankees/Team USA captain Aaron Judge to seal an 8-6 victory over Team USA in pool play.
Weissert entered the game in the eighth inning with Italy leading and promptly navigated a bases-loaded jam, inducing a groundout to end the threat. In the ninth, he faced Judge with two outs and runners on, unleashing a 1-2 slider that Judge swung through for strike three.
The win marked one of the most significant upsets in the tournament's history, as Italy overcame a star-studded American roster.
Weissert's outing included 1.1 innings pitched, two strikeouts, and no runs allowed, showcasing the command that has made him a valuable piece in Boston's bullpen.
The game unfolded with Italy jumping to an early lead thanks to home runs from Sal Frelick and Dominic Fletcher . Team USA rallied in the middle innings, but Italy's bullpen, anchored by Weissert, held firm.
The crowd, a mix of American and Italian supporters, erupted as Weissert pumped his fist after the final out, with teammates mobbing him on the mound.
This result leaves Team USA's advancement hanging in the balance, dependent on the outcome of Italy's next game against Mexico.
For Weissert, the moment adds to his growing reputation as a reliable late-inning arm.
In his most recent season with the Red Sox in 2025, Weissert appeared in 68 games, posting a 3.12 ERA over 72.1 innings. He struck out 78 batters while walking just 22, earning 12 holds and five saves in high-leverage situations. His slider, which generated a 38% whiff rate, proved devastating against right-handed hitters, limiting them to a .198 average.
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