Daniel Descalso was an early catalyst for the Italian offense in Saturday's 11-10 10-inning loss to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic's Pool D play, driving in each of his team's first three runs -- all with two outs -- at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The D-backs' infielder doubled against Venezuelan starter Martin Perez in his first trip to the plate, driving in the game's first run. He followed that up with a two-run single in the third.
Descalso's performance at the plate handed his team an early 3-0 lead in the eventual extra-innings loss. Italy is now 1-1 in Pool D heading into Sunday afternoon's contest against Puerto Rico.

Descalso, 30, signed a one-year deal with Arizona last month. He's expected to make the club's Opening Day roster, possibly backing up D-backs star Paul Goldschmidt at first base.
With the Rockies in 2016, Descalso hit .264 with eight homers and 38 RBIs in 99 games.