Venezuela are set to face the United States in the 2026 World Baseball Classic final, having overcome Italy in the semi-final with a 4-2 victory. The match, held in Miami, saw Venezuela rally to secure their place. This will be Venezuela’s first ever appearance in the WBC final.
Italy’s Early Lead and Venezuela’s Response
Italy initially took the lead in the second inning. A bases-loaded walk, issued by Venezuela’s starting pitcher Keider Montero, allowed Zach Dezenzo to score. Montero had walked Jac Caglianone and Andrew Fischer to load the bases before struggling with his control against J.J, D’Orazio. Montero was then replaced by Ricardo Sánchez, and Italy extended their lead with a groundout from Dante Nori.
Venezuela responded in the fourth inning when Eugenio Suárez hit a solo home run into left field off Italy’s starting pitcher, Aaron Nola. Nola pitched four innings, allowing just the one run from Suárez and four hits overall. He also recorded three strikeouts.
Lorenzen’s Relief Appearance Backfires
Italy’s manager, Francisco Cervelli, had originally planned for Michael Lorenzen to start the championship game against Team USA. However, Lorenzen was brought in to relieve Nola in the fifth inning with Italy holding a 1-0 lead.
The decision initially seemed effective until the seventh inning. Gleyber Torres drew a leadoff walk, but Lorenzen then struck out Wilyer Abreu and Willson Contreras. Jackson Chourio singled, advancing Andrés Giménez, pinch-running for Torres, to third.
Ronald Acuña Jr. then hit a grounder to shortstop. Italy’s Sam Antonacci, fielding the ball deep, made a weak throw, allowing Giménez to score the tying run. Maikel Garcia followed with a single, driving in Chourio to give Venezuela a 3-2 lead. Luis Arraez then scored Acuña with a hit, extending Venezuela’s lead to 4-2 and resulting in Lorenzen being taken out of the game.
Four consecutive two-out hits resulted in three runs. Cervelli’s strategy to use Lorenzen in relief of Nola ultimately backfired. Lorenzen conceded three runs on four hits and two walks, with two strikeouts recorded.
Venezuela’s Bullpen Holds Strong
Venezuela’s bullpen proved effective after Montero’s early exit. Ricardo Sánchez pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Five more relievers followed, preventing Italy from scoring for the remaining six innings. The Venezuela bullpen collectively allowed just three hits and recorded eight strikeouts.
The U.S. defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the semi-final.