Venezuela secured a spot in the World Baseball Classic final, defeating Italy 4-2.
Ronald Acuña Jr.’s infield RBI single tied the game in the seventh inning. Maikel Garcia followed with a go-ahead RBI single, and Luis Arraez added another to double Venezuela’s lead. Venezuela will now face Team USA in the championship game.
Acuña Sparks Venezuelan Comeback
With his team trailing, Ronald Acuña Jr. sprinted to first base, beating the throw from Italy’s Sam Antonacci. He then advanced to second as his teammates celebrated. The score-tying hit ignited the Venezuela fans at LoanDepot Park.
Maikel Garcia’s go-ahead RBI single gave Venezuela the lead. Luis Arraez then added an insurance run.
“We never lost confidence in the type of roster we had,” Acuña said. “We always stayed on the same page, and I think that’s what carried us into the final.”
Italy’s Early Lead
Italy took an early lead after Keider Montero struggled with his control in the second inning. Zach Dezenzo singled, and Montero issued three consecutive walks. J.J. D’Orazio’s bases-loaded walk forced in the game’s first run, and Dante Nori’s fielder’s choice made it 2-0.
Omar López pulled Montero after 1⅓ innings and 33 pitches. Six relievers then combined to shut down Italy’s offence.
Venezuelan Pitching Shuts Down Italy
Venezuela’s bullpen held Italy to three hits and two walks over the final 7⅔ innings. They also recorded eight strikeouts. Andres Machado pitched a scoreless eighth inning with two strikeouts.
“We knew we had to be ready early. We didn’t know what situation we were going to come in,” Andres Machado said. “Winning, losing, we could have entered. I think in the bullpen, that’s what we understand. We’re always ready. We don’t have any specific roles. We just go out there to help the team in whatever way we can.”
Italy entered the game undefeated at 5-0.
Venezuela will now play for its first WBC championship against Team USA.