The pitcher who shut down Team USA in the World Baseball Classic was not what most fans expected. Michael Lorenzenthe Colorado Rockies right-hander who was born in Anaheim, California, threw 4⅔ scoreless innings to help Italy beat the United States 8-6 at Daikin Park in Houston. Playing on March 10, 2026, brought a huge upset to the tournament – and introduced many regular fans to the MLB veteran who is now headed to Italy.
How Lorenzen Closes Team USA’s List
Lorenzen was in the lead from the first pitch. He allowed two hits and one walk over his 4⅔ innings, leaving the mound with Italy up 5-0. Italy’s offense later pushed out to an 8-0 lead before the United States capped the late rally with six runs. It backfired. Italy won 8–6 in one of the biggest upsets in World Baseball Classic history.
“It’s kind of a weird throwback against your country,” Lorenzen said, according to ESPN. “But it was an amazing night.”
In the postgame interview, Lorenzen broke down how he attacked the American team.
“Obviously, they’re really good hitters. They’re not going to stretch the zone a ton. So you’ve got to trust your stuff. Be in place, mix and match. Have a good plan, and yeah, we’ve been able to execute well. Kind of get out early, some ground balls get out and keep them rolling,” Lorenzen said.
American batters could not produce a single run while on the mound.
Why an American-Born Pitcher Represented Italy in the World Baseball Classic
Lorenzen was born and raised in Anaheim, California, and plays for the Colorado Rockies. So how did he end up playing for Italy?
The rules of the World Baseball Classic allow players to compete in countries where they have heritage or ancestry that qualifies them for citizenship. That rule allowed many players with Italian roots to qualify for the Italian national team.
There was also an element of planning during the play. Lorenzen came up with Team USA mainly because the Colorado Rockies didn’t want to disrupt their regular season plans by having him pitch the next day against Mexico.
Lorenzen’s Career Spans Over Ten Years
Lorenzen’s MLB journey dates back to 2013, when the Cincinnati Reds drafted him 38th in the first round out of Cal State Fullerton. At Fullerton, he was a pitcher and outfielder for the Titans.
He made his MLB debut for the Reds in 2015. Since then, he has made 119 appearances and been selected to one All-Star team. He has worn many uniforms: Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, and Kansas City Royals.
Lorenzen signed with the Angels through the 2022 season and the Tigers through 2023 — a career highlight year in which he earned his All-Star selection. In January 2026, he signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Colorado Rockies.
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Lorenzen’s Life Off the Field
Lorenzen is married Cassi Lorenzena graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in nursing who played volleyball at Foothill High School. They were married in November 2016 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego.
The couple welcomed their first child, June Elizabeth, in November 2022 and a baby boy in January 2025.
