Venezuela defeated the United States 3-2 on Tuesday in Miami, capping off a tournament that showcased baseball at its best. The win resonated throughout Venezuela as they secured their first title in six incarnations of the World Baseball Classic. Tears flowed as Daniel Palencia’s fastball reached the glove of Salvador Perez for the final out.
Venezuela’s Fortitude Leads to Victory
Venezuela held a 2-0 lead in the eighth inning, only to see Bryce Harper tie the game with a home run. Despite this, Venezuela regrouped, and Eugenio Suárez put his team back on top. The Venezuelans defeated the United States 3-2.
Venezuela had to face the U.S., Japan and the Dominican Republic in this tournament. They lost to the D.R. in pool play before recovering with a comeback win over Japan in the quarterfinals. The title is Venezuela’s first in six incarnations of the WBC, joining the U.S., Japan and the Dominican Republic as winners.
Pitching Staff Overcomes Challenges
Venezuela’s pitching staff kept a stacked Team USA lineup under control. The starting pitcher was Eduardo Rodríguez, who holds a 5.02 ERA over the past two MLB seasons. Over 4 1/3 innings, Rodríguez kept the Americans off-balance, allowing only one hit and one walk while recording four strikeouts. Two of those strikeouts were at the expense of Team USA captain Aaron Judge, who finished the night 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
Venezuela’s bullpen had to cover 7 2/3 innings against Italy in the semi-final on Monday. Venezuela manager Omar López said before the final that he woke up Tuesday to three text messages from MLB organisations telling him not to use their relievers on back-to-back nights. Eduard Bazardo, José Buttó and Angel Zerpa combined for 2 1/3 scoreless innings after Rodríguez exited the game.
Harper’s Home Run Not Enough for USA
Andrés Machado entered needing to get four outs to deliver a 2-0 lead to Palencia. Harper punished a centre-cut changeup to tie the game. Machado got out of the inning, and Luis Arraez led off the ninth with a walk. He was replaced with pinch-runner Javier Sanoja, who barely pulled off a steal of second base.
Team USA’s bullpen was rested and largely ready to go after defeating the Dominican Republic on Sunday. Venezuela, meanwhile, had to figure out how to face a lineup in which the No. 9 hitter, Byron Buxton, was a 2025 MLB All-Star.
Venezuela Claims the Title
The Venezuelans defeated the United States 3-2 on Tuesday in Miami, capping off a tournament that showcased baseball at its best. The final was a victory that took fortitude from Venezuela. The title is Venezuela’s first in six incarnations of the WBC, joining the U.S., Japan and the Dominican Republic as winners.