Mark DeRosa Blasts 'False Narratives' That He Didn't Understand 2026 WBC Bracket Scenarios in Video

United States manager Mark DeRosa put himself under the spotlight during the 2026 World Baseball Classic with comments suggesting he wasn't aware the Americans could still be eliminated in pool play going into Tuesday's contest against Italy, but he pushed back at that notion Thursday.

"There's a couple false narratives out there," he told reporters. "I was well aware that we had to win that game based on all the scenarios that could take place. They went in 2-0. We went in 2-0."

The United States was actually 3-0 going into the game against Italy, and DeRosa said before that contest the Americans "already punched" their "ticket to the quarterfinals" during an appearance on MLB Network (h/t Matt Snyder of CBS Sports).

He then told reporters he "misspoke" and "completely misread the calculations."

Italy ended up defeating the United States 8-6 behind home runs from Kyle Teel, Jac Caglianone and Sam Antonacci.

The star-studded American roster couldn't keep pace despite having a number of opportunities to do so in the final innings. Pete Crow-Armstrong did what he could with a three-run homer in the seventh and a solo homer in the ninth, but Bryce Harper flew out in the eighth as the tying run.

Aaron Judge and Gunnar Henderson each had opportunities as the tying run in the ninth as well, but they both struck out.

It created a situation where the tiebreaker of runs scored could have come into play if Mexico defeated Italy on Wednesday:

Fortunately for the Red, White and Blue, Italy ended up winning Wednesday's contest as well. 

Vinnie Pasquantino launched three home runs in the 9-1 victory, while Jon Berti also hit a home run. Pasquantino had some fun with the moment in the aftermath and said, "you're welcome, USA."

While the tiebreakers were confusing to say the least, everything is straightforward for DeRosa and Co. for the rest of the tournament.

The United States is one of the eight teams that advanced to the single-elimination quarterfinals and will face Canada on Friday. The winner of that will play the victor of the game between Korea and the Dominican Republic.

Italy is on the other side of the bracket and will face Puerto Rico on Saturday.