Mark DeRosa explains why he didn’t use Mason Miller in fateful ninth inning of WBC crusher

With the World Baseball Classic final tied in the top of the ninth inning Tuesday, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa did not bring in one of the game’s best relief pitchers and it ultimately cost them the game.

With Venezuela scoring a run against Garrett Whitlock that inning to take a 3-2 lead that held, many wondered why star closer Mason Miller did not have his number called instead.

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

DeRosa did not specify whether the Padres had directly contacted him about Miller’s availability, but he made it clear that he only had a limited opportunity to use Miller — and since no save situation arose for Team USA during the game, that window never materialized.

He hinted at being particular with Miller before the game.

“I’d like to avoid him, but the score will dictate it,” DeRosa said pregame. “Yes, he’s available.”