Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has explained why he did not use star closer Mason Miller in the ninth inning of the World Baseball Classic final, which ultimately cost them the game. DeRosman stated that he was honoring the Padres and only had limited opportunity to use Miller due to no save situation during the game occurring. The decision was made before the game, with Venezuela scoring a run against Garrett Whitlock that led to a 3-2 lead.