Miami, Florida - Venezuela captured its first World Baseball Classic title with a 3-2 victory over the United States in the championship game at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026. The win marks the first WBC championship for Venezuela.[1]
Previously, only three teams had won the tournament: the United States in 2017, Japan in 2006, 2009 and 2023, and the Dominican Republic in 2013.[2]
Venezuela advanced to the final after defeating Italy in the semifinal the previous night. The final was held at loanDepot park, the Miami Marlins' stadium, which hosted the 2026 WBC semifinals on March 17 and the final on March 18.[1]
Eduardo Rodriguez, a 33-year-old left-handed starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitched 4 1/3 innings for Venezuela, allowing one hit to Brice Turang and striking out four batters, including U.S. captain Aaron Judge. Rodriguez recorded a 5.02 ERA over the 2023-2024 seasons.[3]
Wilyer Abreu, outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, hit a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning to give Venezuela a 2-0 lead.[4] Maikel Garcia added an RBI sacrifice fly in the third inning for the first run.
Bryce Harper of 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 Bobby Witt Jr. walked.
In the top of the ninth, Eugenio Suárez, third baseman formerly with the Arizona Diamondbacks and currently with the Detroit Tigers, hit an RBI double to left-center after a leadoff walk and stolen base by pinch-runner Javier Sanoja, scoring the go-ahead run.[5]
Daniel Palencia pitched the bottom of the ninth for Venezuela, striking out Kyle Schwarber, inducing a pop-up from Gunnar Henderson and striking out Roman Anthony for the save.
Venezuela manager Omar López guided the team to the title in its first appearance in a WBC final.[1]
Sources
- MLB.com
World Baseball Classic 2026 dates, venues announced
May 9, 2024
https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-2026-dates-venues-announced - MLB.com
World Baseball Classic history
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/history - Baseball-Reference.com
Eduardo Rodriguez Stats
Accessed October 2024
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodried03.shtml - MLB.com
Wilyer Abreu Player Page
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/wilyer-abreu-666759 - MLB.com
Eugenio Suárez Player Page
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-608032