Venezuela defeats United States 3-2 for first World Baseball Classic title

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

  1. MLB.com
    2026 World Baseball Classic dates, venues announced
    April 29, 2024
    https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-2026-dates-venues-announced
  2. Wikipedia
    World Baseball Classic
    Accessed October 2024
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Baseball_Classic
  3. MLB.com
    Eduardo Rodriguez Stats, Fantasy & News
    Accessed October 2024
    https://www.mlb.com/player/eduardo-rodriguez-608566
  4. MLB.com
    Wilyer Abreu Stats, Fantasy & News
    Accessed October 2024
    https://www.mlb.com/player/wilyer-abreu-681734
  5. MLB.com
    Eugenio Suarez Stats, Fantasy & News
    Accessed October 2024
    https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-608631