Italy makes abrupt pitching switch for WBC semifinal against Venezuela

Italy is pivoting from its original plan for the World Baseball Classic semifinals.Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola will get the start Monday night instead of Michael Lorenzen, according to multiple reports.The switch potentially sets up Lorenzen to face the U.S.in the championship game on Tuesday if Italy beats Venezuela.

Or, Italy manager Francisco Cervelli is considering using both Nola and Lorenzen in the semifinals and opting for a bullpen game in the finals, sources told ESPN.Italy is amid its best WBC appearance ever this year.The Italians are the only remaining undefeated team — sitting at 5-0 after beating Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals — including an upset win over the Americans in pool play.In that stage, Italy breezed to the top spot in Pool B.

It beat Brazil 8-0 and Great Britain 7-4 before easily handling the U.S.and Mexico.Against the U.S., it burst out to an 8-0 start and staved off a late comeback to win 8-6.

Lorenzen started that game and pitched four scoreless innings, potentially the reason why Cervelli wants him available for the championship.On offense, Italy is led by a litany of weapons — and an espresso machine.Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino smashed three long balls versus Mexico to drag the U.S.into the quarterfinals alongside Italy.

Dante Nori, Jac Caglianone and Andrew Fischer, among others, have also stood out.After each home run, Italy celebrates by having each hitter take a shot from the espresso machine, a tradition that’s been repeated 12 times thus far in the tournament.If Italy does win Monday, it would set up a rematch with the U.S., who’s since bested Canada and the Dominican Republic to rebound from the upset loss.Against the Dominicans, strong defense, two fourth-inning homers and a lockdown bullpen helped the Americans outlast their boisterous opponent.Team USA has announced Mets right-hander Nolan McLean as its starting pitcher for the final battle.

It’d potentially be McLean’s second outing against I...