Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has faced backlash for his decision to not use San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller in the ninth inning of the World Baseball Classic final against Venezuela.

Miller, who was reportedly available in a limited role after pitching in the semi-final against the Dominican Republic, remained on the bench. DeRosa explained his decision to send Garrett Whitlock to the mound instead of Miller.

“Honoring the Padres,” DeRosa explained. “Had we taken the lead, he was coming in, but I wasn’t going to bring him in to a tie game.”

Jomboy Media’s Joez Mcfly called out the Team USA manager for his explanation after the 3-2 loss against Venezuela.

“Are you OUT OF YOUR MIND?!?!! YOU WERE THE HOME TEAM!!!! IF YOU TOOK THE LEAD YOU WOULD HAVE WON!!!!! THIS HAS TO ME A TROLL QUOTE NO FUC*IN WAY!!!! UNBELIEVABLE !!!!! THIS IS INSANE!”

The decision to send Whitlock to the mound with the scores tied at 2-2, backfired for Team USA as Eugenio Suarez gave Venezuela the lead with his RBI double in the ninth inning.

DeRosa was open to using Miller in the ninth inning to close out the game but since Team USA couldn’t take the lead in the eighth inning after Bryce Harper’s home run, he refused to use the Padres closer.