Venezuela Overpowers United States to Claim First WBC Title

3-2 Victory in WBC Final
Rodriguez Delivers 4.2 Scoreless Innings
Suarez Hits Go-Ahead RBI Double in Top of Ninth

Venezuela claimed its first-ever victory at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

On March 17 (local time), Venezuela defeated the United States 3-2 in the WBC final held at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. After overcoming Japan in the quarterfinals and Italy in the semifinals to reach the finals for the first time, Venezuela managed to defeat the United States, a team widely regarded as the world’s strongest. Their previous best performance was a semifinal appearance at the 2009 tournament 17 years ago, where they lost to Korea 2-10.

AP Yonhap News

Venezuela’s starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez delivered a stellar performance, pitching 4.2 innings, allowing only one hit, no runs, and recording four strikeouts. At the plate, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead RBI double to left-center in the top of the ninth inning.

This final was heated even before the game began, as tensions between the two nations have been high since the United States ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a military operation this past January.

Venezuela seized the initiative. In the top of the third inning, with one out and runners on second and third, Maikel Garcia’s sacrifice fly to center field put Venezuela ahead 1-0. In the top of the fifth, leadoff hitter Wilyer Abreu launched a solo home run over the center-field wall to make it 2-0. The United States mounted a formidable comeback. In the bottom of the eighth, with two outs and a runner on first, Bryce Harper hit a two-run homer to center field, measuring 130 meters, tying the game at 2-2.

Venezuela responded in their final turn at bat in the ninth inning. With no outs and a runner on second in the top of the ninth, Suarez delivered another clutch double, reclaiming the lead. In the bottom of the ninth, closer Daniel Palencia sealed the victory by pitching a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, allowing Venezuela to celebrate its historic championship.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.