In one of the most shocking results in the 20-year history of the World Baseball Classic, Italy stunned the United States 8–6 on Tuesday night at Daikin Park, leaving Team USA’s path to the knockout round suddenly uncertain.
The upset sent shockwaves through Pool B and raised questions about the United States’ approach to the matchup after comments earlier in the day from manager Mark DeRosa appeared to suggest the Americans had already clinched a quarterfinal berth.
Speaking earlier Tuesday on MLB Network’s Hot Stove alongside Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds, DeRosa said Team USA wanted to win “even though our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals.” But after the loss, he clarified that he misspoke and that the United States had not secured advancement.
Italy wasted no time taking advantage. The Italians erupted for eight runs through the first several innings, stunning the heavily favored Americans and building an 8–0 lead that silenced the crowd in Houston. Team USA mounted a late rally, scoring six runs to cut the deficit to two, but the comeback fell short.
The Americans rested several regulars for the game, including stars Bryce Harper and Alex Bregman, fueling speculation that the team believed it had already clinched a spot in the knockout round.
As the U.S. attempted its comeback, veteran slugger Paul Goldschmidt remained on base late in the game without a pinch runner, another decision that raised eyebrows among observers.
In the eighth inning, future Hall of Fame left-hander Clayton Kershaw was seen warming up in the bullpen, an unusual sight given his role in the tournament.
DeRosa later explained the move was due to strict WBC pitching rules. Reliever David Bednar was approaching the 25-pitch limit that would prevent him from pitching the following day. Rather than risk burning closer Mason Miller, DeRosa prepared Kershaw as a last available arm.
“Kershaw was the only guy we had left,” DeRosa said.
The stunning defeat left Team USA’s quarterfinal hopes dependent on the final Pool B matchup between Italy and Mexico.
Team USA advances if:
- Italy defeats Mexico in the final pool game
- Mexico wins but scores five or more runs in a nine-inning game
Team USA is eliminated if:
- Mexico defeats Italy while scoring four or fewer runs
If the teams finish tied at 3-1, the tiebreaker will be runs allowed per out recorded, a statistical formula unique to the tournament’s group stage.
The loss stands as one of the biggest surprises in the history of the World Baseball Classic, especially considering the star-studded roster assembled by the United States.
Now, the tournament favorite faces an uncomfortable wait, needing help to reach the quarterfinals after Italy delivered a stunning result that reshaped the entire pool.
For Team USA, a game they expected to win has suddenly become one that could define their entire tournament.
