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Team USA have been one of the favorites at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but Mark DeRosa and his team had an embarrassing night against Italy.
The MLB-heavy Americans entered the WBC as odds-on favorites to win the tournament. Meanwhile, defending champions Japan continue to run through their opposition with a perfect 4-0 record.
MORE: Two WBC games post higher ratings than Yankees-Dodgers
However, Team USA’s loss to Italy puts the Americans in an uncomfortable position for more reasons than one. For starters, the U.S. squad isn’t guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals if Mexico beats Italy on the final day of pool play.
Meanwhile, USA manager Mark DeRosa hasn’t helped the situation either after failing to understand the clinching scenarios after the game.
DeRosa was asked about Team USA’s path to the quarterfinals, however, his remarks indicate that he believed the Americans already qualified for the next round.
“It’s weird,” DeRosa said after the Italy loss. “We want to win this game, even though our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals.”
However, that simply wasn’t the case for Aaron Judge and Co. Italy controls Group B with their 3-0 record, while Mexico can also punch a ticket to the next round with a win over the Italians.
MORE: Will Tarik Skubal pitch in WBC semifinals or finals? Tigers decision makes decision
DeRosa was forced to clarify his comments, which didn’t improve the situation after Team USA’s underwhelming performance. He claimed to have “misspoke” and “completely misread the calculations.”
Italy celebrates the win against the United States at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Italy and Mexico face off on March 11 to close out pool play. However, the Americans have no control of their fate with the final game looming.
Paul Skenes and the rest of the Team USA squad need Mexico to lose the game outright or win by five or more runs in order for America to secure a spot in the next round.
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The post Mark DeRosa makes viral blunder as Team USA faces WBC elimination appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
The MLB-heavy Americans entered the WBC as odds-on favorites to win the tournament. Meanwhile, defending champions Japan continue to run through their opposition with a perfect 4-0 record.
MORE: Two WBC games post higher ratings than Yankees-Dodgers
However, Team USA’s loss to Italy puts the Americans in an uncomfortable position for more reasons than one. For starters, the U.S. squad isn’t guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals if Mexico beats Italy on the final day of pool play.
Meanwhile, USA manager Mark DeRosa hasn’t helped the situation either after failing to understand the clinching scenarios after the game.
DeRosa was asked about Team USA’s path to the quarterfinals, however, his remarks indicate that he believed the Americans already qualified for the next round.
“It’s weird,” DeRosa said after the Italy loss. “We want to win this game, even though our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals.”
However, that simply wasn’t the case for Aaron Judge and Co. Italy controls Group B with their 3-0 record, while Mexico can also punch a ticket to the next round with a win over the Italians.
MORE: Will Tarik Skubal pitch in WBC semifinals or finals? Tigers decision makes decision
DeRosa was forced to clarify his comments, which didn’t improve the situation after Team USA’s underwhelming performance. He claimed to have “misspoke” and “completely misread the calculations.”
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Italy celebrates the win against the United States at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Italy and Mexico face off on March 11 to close out pool play. However, the Americans have no control of their fate with the final game looming.
Paul Skenes and the rest of the Team USA squad need Mexico to lose the game outright or win by five or more runs in order for America to secure a spot in the next round.
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NFL: 2026 NFL Free Agency’s biggest Day 1 winners
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: Randy Arozarena slams Cal Raleigh after he refuses to shake hands at WBC
MARCH MADNESS: 5 potential bracket-busting March Madness 2026 Cinderella teams
NBA: Adam Silver sends message after cancelling Hawks’ ‘Magic Monday’ promotion
PARALYMPICS: 2026 Winter Paralympics medal count standings entering March 10
VIRAL: Wasserman Agency reveals new name, cancelling disgraced founder
The post Mark DeRosa makes viral blunder as Team USA faces WBC elimination appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
