USA manager Mark DeRosa on thrilling World Baseball Classic victory: “This is one of the greatest games I’ve ever been a part of"
USA manager Mark DeRosa was in heaven after Team USA edged out Venezuela on Saturday. The United States provided baseball fans with one of the most memorable moments in World Baseball Classic history.
A four-run fifth inning and another run in the seventh meant the momentum had swung in favor of the Venezuelans. They held a commanding 7-5 lead entering the eighth inning. USA's chances of defending their 2017 World Baseball Classic title looked slim. A few batters later, Trea Turner approached the plate with the bases loaded. The stage was set.
OH MY TREA TURNER 😱
GRAND SLAM TO GIVE USA THE LEAD 🇺🇸
(via @MLB)
https://t.co/KFGLwZEs29
"OH MY TREA TURNER GRAND SLAM TO GIVE USA THE LEAD" (via @MLB)
Turner's go-ahead grand slam off Silvino Bracho was the stuff of legends. The Philadelphia Phillies shortstop called it "the loudest game I ever played in." Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Pressley called it a "postseason atmosphere."
Per a recent article in Sports Illustrated, manager Mark DeRosa took it one step further:
"I’ll be honest with you, this is one of the greatest games I’ve ever been a part of."
Turner's moment of magic sent the USA fans into a frenzy and left the Venezuelan fans stunned. The atmosphere was electric as Turner rounded the bases to be greeted by his teammates.
The United States went on to defeat Venezuela 9-7 to clinch a spot in the semifinals versus Cuba. The winner of that matchup will go on to face the winners of the Japan versus Mexico game.
USA manager Mark DeRosa has played in 1263 MLB games over a 16-year career
For Mark DeRosa to say this was one of the greatest games he has been a part of is high praise. The veteran utility player has been around.
He has played for eight different MLB teams in eight different states and two different countries. The list includes the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays.
🇺🇸 Top of the 8th
🇺🇸 Bases Loaded
🇺🇸 Go-ahead grand slam
This Trea Turner moment is special!
(via @WBCBaseball)
https://t.co/f7KEa2MhZZ
"Top of the 8th Bases Loaded Go-ahead grand slam This Trea Turner moment is special! (via @WBCBaseball)" - ESPN
Overall, Mark DeRosa has played in 1,263 MLB games (regular season and postseason) over a 16-year period.
The World Baseball Classic has exceeded all of out expecations. It has truly been a joy to watch. Players and managers alike seem to have no regrets about missing out on spring training.