MIAMI – In a stunning upset at loanDepot Park, Venezuela defeated the United States 3-2 on Tuesday to claim its first-ever World Baseball Classic title. The victory caps off a remarkable tournament run for the Vinotinto, who previously eliminated Japan and Italy, and marks a historic moment for Venezuelan baseball.
The Venezuelan team, fueled by a dominant pitching performance and timely hitting, overcame a late rally by Team USA to secure the championship. The win resonates deeply within Venezuela, a nation with a passionate baseball fanbase. This is only the fourth nation to ever win the WBC, joining the United States, Japan, and the Dominican Republic.
Eduardo Rodriguez started for Venezuela, holding Team USA to just one hit through 4.1 innings. The Venezuelan pitching staff, despite being stretched thin after a semifinal game against Italy just the night before, proved resilient. Manager Omar López revealed he received texts from MLB organizations cautioning against overusing relievers on back-to-back days, highlighting the strain on the pitching staff.
Venezuela broke the scoreless tie in the third inning and extended their lead to 2-0 in the fifth, thanks to a solo home run by Wilyer Abreu off American starter Nolan McLean. Team USA struggled to discover any offensive rhythm against Rodriguez and the subsequent Venezuelan relievers.
The game remained a pitcher’s duel for much of the contest, with McLean settling in after a shaky first inning. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the eighth. Bryce Harper, representing a potent American lineup, launched a two-run home run – his second hit of the night – to tie the game at 2-2. The blast injected life into the American side and sent the game into a tense final inning.
But Venezuela refused to yield. In the top of the ninth, Luis Arraez reached base on a walk and was promptly replaced by pinch-runner Sanoja, who then stole second base. Eugenio Suárez then delivered a crucial RBI double, driving in Sanoja and restoring Venezuela’s lead at 3-2. Suárez had also been instrumental in Venezuela’s semifinal victory over Italy, hitting a key home run.
Closer Daniel Palencia then entered the game for Venezuela and shut down Team USA in the bottom of the ninth, securing the historic victory. The final out – a fastball caught by Salvador Perez – sparked jubilant celebrations among the Venezuelan players and fans.
The United States, boasting a roster filled with All-Stars, including Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber, were heavily favored entering the tournament. However, they were unable to consistently generate offense against Venezuela’s determined pitching. Judge, the team captain, was struck out twice by Rodriguez.
Venezuela’s path to the championship wasn’t easy. They faced all three previous WBC champions – the Dominican Republic, Japan, and the United States – during the tournament. They lost to the Dominican Republic in pool play but rebounded with impressive victories over Japan in the quarterfinals and Italy in the semifinals, demonstrating their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
This victory marks a watershed moment for Venezuelan baseball, a country that has long produced talented players who have excelled in Major League Baseball. The World Baseball Classic title is a testament to the dedication and skill of the Venezuelan players and the growing strength of the nation’s baseball program.
Venezuela will now celebrate a historic championship. The team’s next steps remain to be seen, but the impact of this victory will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of Venezuelan baseball players.
