Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic title for the first time, beating the United States 3-2 in the championship game at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, on March 17, 2026. The venue hosted the championship round of the 2026 tournament.[1]
Prior WBC champions are the United States (2017), Japan (2006, 2009, 2023) and the Dominican Republic (2013).[2] Venezuela had advanced with a semifinal win over Italy on March 16.
Eduardo Rodriguez, a 33-year-old left-handed starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitched 4.1 innings for Venezuela, allowing one hit to Brice Turang and recording four strikeouts, including two against U.S. captain Aaron Judge.[3] He threw 57 pitches before being relieved by manager Omar Lopez.
Wilyer Abreu, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, hit a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning against U.S. starter Nolan McLean, extending Venezuela's lead to 2-0.[4] Maikel Garcia had added an RBI sacrifice fly in the third inning for the first run.
Bryce Harper, first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs, tying the score at 2-2 after a walk to Bobby Witt Jr.
In the top of the ninth, Eugenio Suarez, infielder for the Detroit Tigers, hit an RBI double with one out after a walk and stolen base, scoring the go-ahead run off Garrett Whitlock.[5]
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
2026 World Baseball Classic dates, venues announced
April 29, 2024
https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-2026-dates-venues-announced - Wikipedia
World Baseball Classic
Accessed October 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Baseball_Classic - MLB.com
Eduardo Rodriguez Stats, Fantasy & News
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/eduardo-rodriguez-608566 - MLB.com
Wilyer Abreu Stats, Fantasy & News
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/wilyer-abreu-681734 - MLB.com
Eugenio Suarez Stats, Fantasy & News
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-608631