Venezuela beat the United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic final on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, securing the country's first title in the tournament's history.[1][2]
The 2026 World Baseball Classic concluded with the championship game on March 17 at loanDepot Park, which also hosted the 2023 final between Japan and the United States.[1]
Venezuela advanced to the final after a semifinal victory over Italy. Previously, only Japan (2009, 2023), the Dominican Republic (2006, 2013) and the United States (2017) had won the WBC.[2]
Eduardo Rodriguez, a left-handed starter for the Texas Rangers, pitched 4.1 innings for Venezuela, allowing one hit and recording four strikeouts, including two against U.S. captain Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.
Wilyer Abreu, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox born in Venezuela,[3] hit a solo home run in the fifth inning to give Venezuela a 2-0 lead. Maikel Garcia scored the first run on a sacrifice fly in the third.
Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to tie the score at 2-2. Eugenio Suárez, third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks born in Venezuela,[4] responded with an RBI double in the top of the ninth off Garrett Whitlock.
Daniel Palencia pitched the bottom of the ninth for the save, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Roman Anthony while Gunnar Henderson popped out.
Venezuela manager Omar López used a strong bullpen after Rodriguez, limiting the U.S. to two hits overall.
Sources
- MLB.com
2026 World Baseball Classic dates, venues announced
17 September 2024
https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-2026-dates-venues-announced - MLB.com
World Baseball Classic history: Champions
Accessed 2024
https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/history - Baseball-Reference.com
Wilyer Abreu player page
Accessed 2024
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abreuwi01.shtml - Baseball-Reference.com
Eugenio Suárez player page
Accessed 2024
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suareeu01.shtml