Team USA Stumbles in Upset Loss to Italy
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa faces intense backlash after an 8-6 upset loss to Italy in the World Baseball Classic Pool B game in Houston. The defeat, marked by two critical errors that allowed three Italian runs, has left the Americans’ quarterfinal hopes in jeopardy.
DeRosa’s Pre-Game Misstep
Before the game, DeRosa described the matchup against Italy as secondary, emphasizing respect for the opponent while noting the team’s secured spot in the quarterfinals. ‘Ton of respect for Italy — it’s weird — we want to win this game even though our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals because Mexico plays Italy actually tomorrow,’ DeRosa stated on MLB Network.
However, Team USA’s advancement is far from guaranteed. The squad now depends on Italy’s result against Mexico on Wednesday to progress.
Post-Game Admission and Tiebreaker Scenarios
DeRosa acknowledged the error afterward: ‘One hundred percent, I misspoke. Bottom line.’
Italy, featuring 24 American-born players and managed by former Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, faces Mexico at 7 p.m. EST to conclude Pool B. A victory for Italy secures Pool B at 4-0, with USA advancing as runner-up.
If Mexico wins, all three teams finish 3-1 with tied head-to-head records. The tiebreaker shifts to runs allowed among them. Mexico holds an edge with fewer runs conceded so far. For USA to advance in that case, Mexico must score at least five runs against Italy.
Captain Aaron Judge confirmed the players understood the stakes: ‘It’s out of our control now. We just need a little luck and we’ll see what happens.’ The team plans to watch the Italy-Mexico game from their hotel.
Fan and Online Criticism
DeRosa, a former MLB infielder and MLB Network co-host, drew sharp online rebukes. Critics highlighted his initial lineup, which benched All-Stars Bryce Harper, Cal Raleigh, and Alex Bregman, suggesting a lack of urgency.
One social media user stated: ‘He didn’t misspeak. He was wrong.’ Another remarked: ‘Look at the lineup. It was 100% made with the idea in mind that USA didn’t need to win this game.’ Some quipped: ‘Dude will never be a manager again but he’ll make a fantastic politician after this debacle.’
