MIAMI — In a strategic pivot just hours before the World Baseball Classic semifinal, Italian manager Francisco Cervelli has announced a significant pitching change. Aaron Nola, not Michael Lorenzen as previously anticipated, will take the mound for Italy against Venezuela at loanDepot Park on Monday night. This last-minute decision reshapes the tactical landscape for the crucial elimination game. Nola, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, brings formidable recent form to the start. He secured a victory in Italy’s group stage finale against Mexico on March 11, delivering a dominant performance with five scoreless innings. In that outing, he limited opponents to just four hits while recording five strikeouts and a single walk over 69 pitches. Opposing him will be Venezuela’s starter, Keider Montero. The 25-year-old right-hander will be tasked with neutralizing an Italian lineup that has surprised many in the tournament. The stakes for this semifinal clash are immense, with the victorious team earning the right to face the United States in the championship final on Tuesday night.
Nola to start World Baseball Classic semifinal for Italy against Venezuela instead of Lorenzen
