Aaron Nola to Start World Baseball Classic Semifinal for Italy MIAMI — Aaron Nola will take the mound in Monday night’s World Baseball Classic semifinal for Italy, facing Venezuela, after Italy manager Francisco Cervelli decided to switch starting pitchers. The announcement came on Monday, with Cervelli revealing the change had been made the previous day. Cervelli explained his reasoning, stating, “My reason was my gut. Everyone is available, but I think Nola is the right person. That’s my opinion, and I’m taking responsibility for my decisions.” Nola, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, will look to build on his strong performance in the group stage. He earned the win in Italy’s final group game against Mexico on March 11, pitching five scoreless innings with four hits allowed, five strikeouts, and one walk. He threw 69 pitches in that outing. Venezuela will counter with right-hander Keider Montero, a 25-year-old pitcher, in the semifinal at LoanDepot Park. The winner of Monday’s matchup will advance to face the United States in the final on Tuesday night. The decision to start Nola over Michael Lorenzen, Italy’s original choice, highlights the manager’s confidence in the veteran’s ability to lead the team in a high-stakes game. With the World Baseball Classic entering its critical phase, Cervelli’s choice underscores the importance of having a reliable starter capable of handling the pressure of a semifinal showdown. Nola’s presence in the lineup also adds depth to Italy’s pitching rotation, providing a balance between experience and the potential energy of younger players. As the tournament progresses, such strategic decisions will play a key role in determining which teams advance to the championship round.#venezuela #loandepot_park #world_baseball_classic #francisco_cervelli #aaron_nola
