The 2026 World Baseball Classic rolls on Tuesday, with championship-favorite USA meeting surprising upstarts Italy in Pool B play. The Americans wrap up their pool schedule, while “Squadra Azzurra” plays the 3rd of 4 games, finishing up pool play against Mexico on Wednesday. Let’s get into our World Baseball Classic best bets for Tuesday, March 10, targeting USA vs Italy.
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World Baseball Classic best bet: USA vs Italy Under 12.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook and available at time of publishing
The United States (3-0) and Italy (2-0) meet at 9:00 pm ET at Daikin Park in Houston, and the top spot in Pool B is at stake. USA can wrap up 1st place with a victory, while Italy still has a shot, but it needs a miracle win over the Americans, as well as a victory over Mexico on Wednesday.
USA turns to RHP Nolan McLean of the New York Mets to wrap up pool play with an unblemished record. In Monday’s game against Mexico, RHP Paul Skenes was everything as advertised, spinning 4 scoreless innings with just 1 hit and 1 walk allowed with 7 strikeouts. Just as a reminder, pitchers are limited to 65 pitches in pool play, which is why Skenes was removed after 4 frames and 60 pitches despite looking rather dominant.
The bats came alive against Mexico, too. After swatting a total of just 2 home runs in the first 2 games against Brazil and Great Britain, the USA had a pair of homers when it mattered most against Mexico. Aaron Judge and Roman Anthony each delivered homers, and both players now have driven in 5 runs through the first 3 games.
Italy topped Great Britain on Sunday in its most recent game, winning 7-4. Dante Nori and Jakob Marsee each went 2-for-4 in the first two spots of the lineup against GBR, while Italy had five players with multi-hit games.
While USA pitching might not be nearly as dominant as Monday night against Mexico with Skenes, RHP Nolan McLean is a budding superstar at the front end of the rotation for the New York Mets. He is the favorite to win the 2026 National League Rookie of the Year. Look for the runs to be at a premium for Italy during the early going before it gets on the board against the bullpen. Over bettors will be hoping for a big inning that might never come. Our best bet is to go Under on the total, which is rather high.
World Baseball Classic best bet: Israel ML over Netherlands (+164)
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook and available at time of publishing
In Pool D play, Israel (1-2) and Netherlands (1-2) play a huge game. Sadly, neither side can advance to the quarterfinals, but coming home with at least 2 victories in the World Baseball Classic would be a major achievement for both nations.
Israel was roughed up 10-1 by the Dominican Republic last time out, but manager Brad Ausmus has steered this team to a victory over Nicaragua, and it cannot finish in last place. So, Israel won’t have to play in the qualifier for the next World Baseball Classic in 2029. Manager Andruw Jones has the Dutch team positioned for a 2nd win, too, and they’re favored to do so. However, pitching has been a problem for the Netherlands, and that’s what makes Israel worth a look as moderate underdogs. This seems like it should be a coin-flip game, so all of the value is on Israel here. The all-time WBC series is tied 1-1, with both meetings back in 2017. Both programs have taken a giant leap forward.
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