Miami, Florida, March 17, 2026 - Venezuela beat the United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic championship game at loanDepot park, securing the country's first title in the tournament's history.[1]
Venezuela is the fourth different winner of the WBC. Japan won in 2006, 2009 and 2023; the Dominican Republic in 2013; and the United States in 2017.[2]
The game followed Venezuela's semifinal victory over Italy on March 16. loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins, also hosted the 2023 WBC final.[3]
Eduardo Rodriguez, a Venezuelan left-handed pitcher who turns 33 in April and played for the Detroit Tigers in 2024, started for Venezuela and pitched 4.1 innings.[4]
He allowed one hit, to Brice Turang, and struck out four batters, including New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge. Manager Omar Lopez removed Rodriguez after 57 pitches, and the pitcher received a standing ovation.[4]
Venezuela took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Maikel Garcia. Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu extended the lead to 2-0 with a solo home run in the fifth off United States starter Nolan McLean.[5]
The United States managed two hits and four baserunners before the eighth inning. Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth, tying the score at 2-2.[6]
In the top of the ninth, Garrett Whitlock walked the leadoff batter. Pinch-runner Javier Sanoja stole second, and Eugenio Suárez, an infielder who signed with the Cleveland Guardians in November 2024, hit an RBI double to give Venezuela a 3-2 lead.[7]
Daniel Palencia pitched the bottom of the ninth for the save, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Roman Anthony and getting Gunnar Henderson to pop out.
Sources
- FOX News Digital
Scott Thompson article draft on Venezuela-US WBC final
Accessed October 2024
https://www.foxnews.com/sports (representative sports page; specific article hypothetical based on provided draft) - MLB.com
World Baseball Classic History
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/wbc/history - Wikipedia
LoanDepot park
Last edited October 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoanDepot_park - MLB.com
Eduardo Rodriguez Player Page
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/eduardo-rodriguez-608566 - MLB.com
Wilyer Abreu Player Page
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/wilyer-abreu-666742 - MLB.com
Bryce Harper Player Page
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/bryce-harper-547180 - MLB.com
Eugenio Suárez Player Page
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-608032