Mexico got off to a disappointing start to the 2017 World Baseball Classic with a 9-10 loss to Italy in the opening Pool D game held Thursday evening at the Charros Stadium in Zapopan. 

A full house of 16,000 roared Mexico on to a 9-5 lead, but were stunned into silence as the Italians scored five runs in the ninth inning to shock the hosts. 

Mexico plays Saturday, March 11, 8:30 p.m. against Puerto Rico and Sunday, March 12, 8 p.m. against Venezuela.