Italy beats Mexico, 6-5, in WBC

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run double off San Francisco Giants closer Sergio Romo in the ninth inning and Jason Grilli escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom half to help Italy rally to beat Mexico, 6-5, in the opening game of Pool D in the World Baseball Classic on Thursday.

Romo (0-1) entered to a loud ovation from the Mexican fans, but gave up three hits, the last a fly ball by Rizzo to the warning track in left that Mexican outfielder Edgar Gonzalez couldn't handle in the sunlight at Salt River Fields.

Grilli gave up a single, a walk and hit Adrian Gonzalez with a pitch, but closed it out by getting Jorge Cantu on a ground out.

Nick Pugliese (1-0) allowed no hits in 12/3 innings.

Dominican Republic 9, Venezuela 3 - Hanley Ramirez homered and Robinson Cano batted in three runs as the Dominican team opened Group C play with a 13-hit attack in a game that was delayed by rain in the first inning.

Venezuela starter Anibal Sanchez was touched for three hits and three runs in a third of an inning before the rain delay.