A new World Baseball Classic champion will be crowned as Team USA takes on Venezuela in the final.
First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
USA’s Path to the Final
Team USA entered the World Baseball Classic as favourites, boasting a roster with pitcher Paul Skenes, Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Kyle Schwarber and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Despite a strong start of 3-0 in Pool B, they suffered an upset from Italy. This put them in danger of missing the quarterfinals.
Italy’s win over Mexico allowed the U.S. to advance. The U.S. then defeated Canada in the quarterfinals before stunning the Dominican Republic on a controversial final strike call to secure a spot in the championship.
Venezuela’s Route to the Championship Game
Venezuela holds a 5-1 record through the WBC. They advanced to the championship with a three-run rally in the seventh inning to defeat Italy.
Starting Pitchers Named
Mets’ Nolan McLean will start for Team USA. McLean is coming off a rookie campaign with a 2.06 ERA and a 5-1 record. He will be looking to improve on his first WBC start after giving up two hits and three earned runs against Italy.
MLB veteran Eduardo Rodriguez will get the nod for Venezuela. He will be looking to improve on his first start against the Dominican Republic, when he gave up three runs over 2 2/3 innings.
Key Players to Watch
Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez will be McLean’s top challengers for Venezuela. Garcia has a tournament-best 10 hits, while Arraez has eight hits and 10 RBI.
Last Meeting
These two teams last met back in the 2023 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals. The USA defeated Venezuela 9-7. Trea Turner hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning.
It marks Venezuela’s first finals appearance in tournament history. Team USA is seeking its second gold-medal win in the WBC.
First Inning Action
- Ronald Acuña Jr. knocked a leadoff single off the first pitch from Nolan McLean.
- Maikel Garcia grounded into a double play.
- Luis Arraez popped out to shallow center field.
- Eduardo Rodriguez posted a 1-2-3 inning against the top of the Team USA lineup, including a strikeout of Aaron Judge.
Ceremonial First Pitches
Ken Griffey Jr. threw out the first pitch for Team USA, while Miguel Cabrera did the same for Venezuela. Both have had roles in this tournament, with Cabrera as Venezuela’s hitting coach.
Follow along as Team USA takes on Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic final.