Mark DeRosa shredded over humiliating ‘miscalculation’ that leaves USA on brink of WBC elimination
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa thought his team were already through to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic.
Just hours before their matchup against Team Italy, in which multiple stars were rested, DeRosa told MLB Network that his team was already through the group stage of the tournament.
Shortly before the United States was upset by Italy in their Pool B finale on Tuesday night, DeRosa boasted that “we want to win this game, even though our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals.”
The ticket, however, was not already punched, and now, after their stunning 6-8 loss to Italy, USA’s fate lands in the hands of Italy’s game against Mexico on Wednesday.
After the game, DeRosa was forced to admit to his embarrassing mistake during his post-game press conference.
“I misspoke… completely misread the calculations,” he told reporters.
“We knew that Mexico was going to play Italy and then run in all the numbers if we lost tonight, with the runs allowed and runs scored and outs. So I just misspoke.”
With the USA’s fate yet to be decided, fans have reacted to DeRosa’s error on social media.
“The USA’s arrogance towards baseball when we haven’t won anything internationally in the last 10+ years is really glaring right now,” one fan posted on X.
“How… How do you not know this? You are the coach, you should know these things,” a second enraged fan added.
“The manager of the most talented baseball team ever constructed almost guaranteed the lineup today not knowing how the tournament works. I can’t even fathom how unbelievable this is,” A third said
“Yeah this man belongs nowhere near Team USA in the future. Honestly doesn’t need to be there now at this rate,” A fourth added
The errant miscalculation and shocking result even caught the attention of Pat McAfee.
The former NFL player turned ESPN personality posted: “NO GRAZIE
“We can’t be losing to Italy in baseball.. soccer.. MAYBE.. cooking contests.. fine.. Baseball.. YEAH RIGHT.
“What the f***”
How Team USA can advance to WBC quarter-finals
Italy jumped on New York Mets starter Nolan McLean early, posting three runs, while their starter Michael Lorenzen allowed only two hits in 4 ⅔ scoreless innings, keeping one of the greatest lineups ever assembled off balance.
The US were trailing 8-1 with two-outs in the seventh inning before Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a stunning three-run home run to ignite hope.
But their late rally fell short when Boston Red Sox reliever Greg Weissert struck out team captain Aaron Judge with a runner on base to end the game.
DeRosa made the decision to sit Bryce Harper, Alex Bregman, Brice Turang and Cal Raleigh, who refused to shake Randy Arozerena’s hand in their game against Mexico.
USA fans will now be paying close attention to Italy’s game against Mexico on Wednesday, which is the final game of Pool B.
If Italy wins, they and the USA advance through to the quarter finals.
If Mexico wins, and they score five-or-more runs, Mexico and the USA will advance.
However, if Mexico win, but they score four-or-fewers runs, Mexico and Italy will advance, likely leaving a very embarrassed Derosa wishing he could turn back time.
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