Venezuela defeats United States 3-2 for first World Baseball Classic title
Venezuela captured its first World Baseball Classic title with a 3-2 victory over the United States in the championship game on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. The final was held at the Miami Marlins' stadium, which hosted the semifinals and championship for the 2026 tournament.[1]
Prior to this event, the World Baseball Classic had been won only by Japan (2006, 2009, 2023), the Dominican Republic (2013) and the United States (2017).[2] Venezuela advanced to the final after defeating Italy in the semifinal the previous night.
Eduardo Rodriguez, a left-handed starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitched 4.1 innings for Venezuela, allowing one hit while striking out four, including United States captain Aaron Judge. Manager Omar Lopez removed Rodriguez after 57 pitches, and the Venezuelan bullpen maintained control thereafter.[3]
Venezuela took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Maikel Garcia. Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu extended the lead to 2-0 in the fifth with a solo home run off United States starter Nolan McLean.[4]
Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, tying the score at 2-2 after a walk to Bobby Witt Jr. Venezuela regained the lead in the top of the ninth on an RBI double by Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks, scoring pinch-runner Javier Sanoja from second base after a steal.
Daniel Palencia pitched the bottom of the ninth for the save, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Roman Anthony while Gunnar Henderson flied out.
Sources
- MLB.com
MLB announces 2026 World Baseball Classic venues
May 3, 2024
https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-announces-2026-world-baseball-classic-venues - MLB.com
World Baseball Classic history
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/history - MLB.com
Eduardo Rodriguez player page
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/eduardo-rodriguez-608566 - MLB.com
Wilyer Abreu player page
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/wilyer-abreu-666742
