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McLean Today
By the People, for the People
Team USA Manager Unaware of Quarterfinal Situation Before Loss to Italy
DeRosa thought USA had already clinched quarterfinal spot, leading to questionable lineup decisions
Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:04pm
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Team USA manager Mark DeRosa seemed unaware that his team needed to win against Italy to clinch a spot in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, telling an MLB Network interviewer before the game that the team's "ticket's punched." This lack of awareness led DeRosa to rest several key players, and Team USA ended up losing 8-6 to Italy, putting their quarterfinal hopes in jeopardy.
Why it matters
Team USA's loss to Italy has put them in a precarious position, as they now need Italy to defeat Mexico on Wednesday in order to have a chance at advancing to the quarterfinals. This embarrassing situation highlights the importance of managers and coaches being fully informed about the stakes and scenarios heading into critical games.
The details
Before the Italy game, DeRosa told MLB Network's Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds that he planned to rest several starters, including Paul Goldschmidt and Gunnar Henderson, because he thought USA had already clinched a quarterfinal spot. However, this was not the case, and the decision to rest key players contributed to the team's surprising loss. Reports indicate there was a "lack of urgency" in USA's approach to the Italy game.
- On March 11, 2026, Team USA lost 8-6 to Italy in World Baseball Classic group play.
- Prior to the Italy game, DeRosa was interviewed on MLB Network's "Hot Stove" show.
The players
Mark DeRosa
The manager of the United States national baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Paul Goldschmidt
A star player on the United States national baseball team.
Gunnar Henderson
A player on the United States national baseball team.
Cal Raleigh
A player on the United States national baseball team who did not start against Italy.
Bryce Harper
A player on the United States national baseball team who did not start against Italy.
What they’re saying
“I'm going to get some guys off their feet, no question about it. I'd like to get [Paul Goldschmidt] a start. He has been awesome; just a leader of men behind the scenes with Aaron Judge. I'd like to get him in there. I'd like to get Gunnar (Henderson) in there again.”
— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager
“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. The way the schedule lines up, this is an important game for us.”
— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager
What’s next
Team USA now needs Italy to defeat Mexico on Wednesday in order to have a chance at advancing to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.
The takeaway
This embarrassing situation for Team USA highlights the critical importance of managers and coaches being fully informed about the stakes and scenarios heading into crucial games. DeRosa's lack of awareness about his team's precarious quarterfinal position led to questionable lineup decisions that contributed to the surprising loss to Italy.
