So here’s what we need per Ben Verlander.
I just assumed it was total runs allowed over the 4 pool games but that doesn’t look to be the case.
Correct. It is runs allowed only amongst the tied teams.
So only amongst Italy,USA, and Mexico. Only during the matches played against each other
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It appears that the Team USA manager mistakenly thought a spot was clinched. 
https://x.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/2031577368276447548
“It’s weird. We want to win this game even though our ticket’s punched to the quarterfinals.” -Team USA manager Mark DeRosa earlier today
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 11, 2026
Team USA’s ticket was not, in fact, punched to the quarterfinals, and now they’re in danger of missing out pic.twitter.com/xMPAdLODTY
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He’ll never live that down if Mexico gets that berth.
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Imagine if USA could have added a healthy Gerrit Cole and Jacob DeGrom and Hunter Brown. They could have thrown ace, after ace, after ace. I also think Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker would have helped this team with their experience in the tournament. But really, hitting is contagious. Seeing their teammates hit the ball causes the rest of them to join in and the opposite as well. Of course, they faced more major leaguers on Italy, who, which by the way, most of their roster are American born players. It’s like the jv beat the varsity.
Yes, this was very unfortunate. He was probably reading social media where a lot of idiots were claiming the US advanced after beating Mexico.
Hopefully he gets bailed out tonight.
Yeah, Tucker could have sat on the bench with a shin bruise….
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After probably coming through with a big homer to rally the team.
It does point out a major drawback of hiring a studio analyst to manage the team, though you’d think at least one of the 10 coaches would have helped him out on this.
Beautiful suicide squeeze by Italy, up 3-0, top 5
Thank you Italy, for now.
—signed,
USA
Up 5-0, bottom 5
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Italy is f— good. Just say it.
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Apparently. Jesus. No quarter the last two games.
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Proud of Nolla
Mark DeRosa owes that whole team dinner and all they can drink.
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He is “Italian,” so they may let him pick up that tab. Fun Fact: he was a college starting QB at Penn. SS on the baseball team, won Ivy League 'ship as QB
The boot didn’t screw around this round.
For Mexicans it’s the story of their lives…rabid fan base but national team always disappoints.
I root for them unless they’re playing the U.S. just because it’s a poor country that needs something to cheer about. Plus the people like to have a good time.
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