HOUSTON, TEX — The USA Survives after all. For about 24 hours, it was def con 5 for Team USA and their fans, but they live to see another day in the World Baseball Classic.
They have Team Italy to thank. Italy took on Team Mexico and had to win, or allow five or more runs, for USA to advance. They took care of Team Mexico with ease, winning 9-1. It was apparent early that USA had fate on their side and get second life.
“That was unbelievable. Huh?” Team Italy captain Vinnie Pasquantino said after the game. “You’re welcome, USA. We were thinking of you guys over at your hotel. We were thinking of you guys. So I’m glad you guys could join us in the party.”
Pasquantino was easily the MVP for Team Italy, and for the US by extension, hitting three home runs in the win against Mexico. He became the first player in WBC history to hit three home runs in a single game.
USA Advances
Now, the spotlight turns to Mark DeRosa. He is looking for redemption after the many mistakes he made prior to and during the game on Tuesday that put USA in jeopardy of elimination. The good news is from here on out it’s win or go home so he won’t get the opportunity to misspeak if he’s asked on MLB Network about USA’s performance.
Team USA will be sending out Logan Webb on Friday against team Canada. Webb pitched four innings last Friday against team Brazil, surrenduring only one run and striking out six. His pitch count will be at 80, as per WBC rules for the quarterfinals.
Webb will be opposed by veteran right-hander Michael Soroka. He pitched three innings giving up one run and striking out two last Saturday against team Columbia.
The USA will have their work cut out for them. This is no longer the time for USA to get cute and construct lineups and pitching decisions based on players who need to get reps. DeRosa and the USA staff needs to craft their decisions around who deserves to play and will help the team win. The objective is to win the whole thing. Time to act like it.
The only way the disaster that Tuesday night was for DeRosa away is by winning and not letting anyone stand in their way. USA is powerful enough to win against any team, but putting players in the right spot to succeed is key.