Descalso drives in 3 for Italy, Bracho exits with injury for Venezuela

Mar 11, 2017, 6:53 PM | Updated: 7:26 pm

(AP Photos)

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Daniel Descalso had a complicated path to competing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

Descalso, from California, had to gather documentation on his lineage in order to play in the spring’s tournament before the start of the 2017 season.

He eventually tracked down a birth certificate of his great-grandfather, something Italy has to be happy with after the game Descalso had Saturday.

The 30-year-old reached base three times in Italy’s 11-10 loss to Venezuela, tying a game-high with 3 RBI.

Italy jumped out a 5-0 lead in the first four innings of the game, and the first three were all brought in by Descalso.

His double in the first inning brought home Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli and a single in the third scored Cervelli and Dodgers left fielder Rob Segedin.

Descalso’s early efforts weren’t enough, as Venezuela went on to score eight unanswered runs and eventually win the game in extra innings, evening out both team’s records to 1-1 in group play.

BRACHO EXITS WITH INJURY

D-backs reliever Silvino Bracho had an unfortunate first appearance for Venezuela.

Coming in to pitch the sixth inning, Bracho recorded the first two outs before giving up a single to Italy designated hitter Drew Butera. Following the hit, Venezuela catcher Salvador Perez called manager Omar Vizquel to the mound and Bracho would leave the game.

The injury is reportedly a right hamstring strain for Bracho and he would not be able to play if the team moved on in the tournament.

Sources tell me it's a right hamstring strain for Bracho. Fuentes me dicen que Bracho sufrió un tirón en la corva derecha #WBCxESPN

— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) March 11, 2017

If Venezuela moves on to the semis, Bracho will not be able to continue with the team. https://t.co/QTGBikGJe7

— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) March 11, 2017