DeRosa 'was well aware' losing to Italy could eliminate U.S.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa responded to widespread criticism for managing a pool play loss to Italy as if the Americans had already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic.

"I think there's a couple false narratives out there," DeRosa said Thursday after Italy's pool play win over Mexico ensured the United States would advance to the next round, according to SNY.

"I was well aware that we had to win that game based on all the scenarios that could take place."

Italy defeated Team USA 8-6 on Tuesday in one of the most stunning upsets in WBC history. The Italians capitalized on DeRosa's lax approach, which included going to Ryan Yarbrough as his first reliever out of the bullpen and warming up Clayton Kershaw late while facing a deficit. Bryce Harper, Alex Bregman, and Cal Raleigh didn't start the game.

Afterward, DeRosa acknowledged that he "completely misread the calculations," seeming to realize that Team USA wasn't guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals. The loss meant that Wednesday's game between Italy and Mexico decided the Americans' fate.

DeRosa's comments, paired with his decision-making against Italy, led to sharp criticism of his managerial abilities.

Team USA will play Canada in the quarterfinals Friday.