Trending Now - Team USA Reflects on Performance at World Baseball Classic

WHO:

Team USA, Manager Mark DeRosa, Vinnie Pasquantino, Bryce Harper, Cal Raleigh, Alex Bregman, Brice Turang, Byron Buxton, Ernie Clement, Paul Goldschmidt, Tarik Skubal, Michael Wacha, Ryan Yarbrough, Matthew Boyd, MLB, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs

WHAT:

Team USA lost to Italy 8-6 on March 10th, 2026.

Team USA advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic despite the loss, thanks to Italy's 9-1 win over Mexico on March 11th, 2026.

DeRosa stated his comment about having "punched a ticket" to the quarterfinals was an "overly confident statement."

Vinnie Pasquantino hit three home runs in a single WBC game, becoming the first player to do so.

Team USA's lineup included players with a combined 24 All-Star appearances.

WHERE:

The games took place during the World Baseball Classic, with specific mention of the matchup in Houston.

WHEN:

The loss to Italy occurred on March 10th, 2026.

The quarterfinal matchup for Team USA is scheduled for March 12th, 2026.

WHY:

DeRosa's decision to rest key players was based on wanting to give starts to others who could play major roles later.

DeRosa mentioned that some players were "dragging" due to celebrating a previous win over Mexico.

HOW:

DeRosa explained that he was limited in pitcher usage due to "guardrails" set by MLB teams to prevent injuries.

Changes to the pitching staff were made, with Tim Hill, Will Vest, and Tyler Rogers stepping in for Skubal, Wacha, and Yarbrough.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 23:07 UTC)

Team USA faced a tough loss against Italy, falling 8-6 on March 10, but still managed to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic thanks to Italy's victory over Mexico the following day. Manager Mark DeRosa acknowledged that his earlier comment about "punched a ticket" to the quarterfinals was an "overly confident statement," while Vinnie Pasquantino made history by hitting three home runs in a single game. As Team USA prepares for their quarterfinal matchup today, DeRosa's strategic decision to rest key players and adjust the pitching staff reflects a focus on long-term success in the tournament.