Judge, Anthony, US Almost Imploded In WBC

Despite a feel-good victory over Mexico, the United States almost imploded and was nearly eliminated unexpectedly in group play. In the US vs. Mexico game, Aaron Judge hit a 2-run homerun to start the game. Plenty of Boston Red Sox stars saw action in this game. Roman Anthony hit a 3-run home run that traveled 417 feet. Jared Duran for Mexico hit 2 homeruns in this game. Garrett Whitlock of the US recorded the save and the United States would hold off Mexico 5-3.

Despite the victory by the US, it was almost all for naught thanks to bad pitching and managerial mistakes. The trouble started prior to the team taking on Italy, as US Manager Mark DeRosa mistakenly thought that the US was already in the quarterfinals when interview by MLB Network. MLB Network took down the interview and censored/altered the interview to try to save DeRosa from further embarrassment, but by then the damage had already been done. DeRosa clearly did not understand the seriousness of the game against Italy as he rested a majority of the usual starting lineup.  In addition, unless your name is Paul Skenes, the pitching continues to be a struggle for the US. The result of what was previously said led to a full-blown disaster and embarrassment for the US, as at one point Italy was leading 8-0! The only reason this became a game at the end was the heroics of Pete-Crow Armstrong as the US did a comeback to make it 8-6 Italy. However, an Aaron Judge strikeout would seal the victory for Italy. The US would have to wait for the result of the Italy vs. Mexico game to determine their fate in the WBC. DeRosa may have to change his last name to DeRoast thanks to being put on the hot seat for his mistakes.

Italy was the victor over Mexico and as result the US moves on to the quarterfinals against Canada. The United States needs to lockdown the pitching as it was one of the most disappointing   aspects so far of this team. There have been too many early home runs given up by this team and if this trend continues, it will lead to an early exit in the tournament. Furthermore, DeRosa seems to be now coaching for his job. If the Italy vs. Mexico game did not go the US’s way, I doubt DeRosa would be allowed to manage the next WBC for the US. These mistakes need to be corrected and I am hoping that my concerns are alleviated when the team plays against Canada in the quarterfinals.

 Coffee, anyone?