Venezuela Secures First WBC Title
Venezuela stunned the United States in the World Baseball Classic final, winning 3-2. Maikel Garcia scored Salvador Perez with a sacrifice fly in the top of the third inning. The U.S. managed to score only one run until the bottom of the eighth when Bryce Harper hit a game-tying two-run homer.
Eugenio Suarez then tied the game with a double in the top of the ninth, scoring Javier Sonoja and securing Venezuela’s victory. Daniel Palencia struck out twice in the bottom half, finishing with his third save of the tournament.
Despite featuring stars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Paul Goldstein, the U.S. lost its second straight final. The game was held at a pro-Venezuela crowd, with some American players facing boos during introductions.
Venezuela’s win makes them the second Latin American nation to claim the WBC title, following the Dominican Republic in 2013. The U.S. won in 2017 and lost to Japan in 2023.
While the U.S., Japan, and the Dominican Republic received most of the attention ahead of the sixth edition of the 20-nation event, Venezuela’s success was not unexpected. Sixty-three Venezuelan-born players appeared on Major League Baseball opening-day rosters last year, second-most from outside the U.S. behind the Dominican Republic.
Venezuela started with Tarik Skubal in the third inning against McLean. Salvador Perez hit a first-pitch single and Ronald Acuña Jr. walked with one out. Garcia then scored Perez with a sacrifice fly to center field.
Wilyer Abreu doubled the lead when he hit a fastball 414 feet to center, causing his helmet to fall off as he rounded second. He was greeted by teammates upon reaching home plate.
Rodriguez allowed one hit in 4 1/3 innings before Venezuela turned to its bullpen.
The U.S. players arrived at LoanDepot Park wearing game-worn U.S. Olympic hockey jerseys and carrying their nation’s flags during introductions.