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Venezuela defeats United States 3-2 for first World Baseball Classic title

Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic title for the first time, beating the United States 3-2 in the championship game on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. The victory came after Venezuela's semifinal win over Italy the previous evening.

Previous WBC champions are Japan (2006, 2009, 2023), the Dominican Republic (2013) and the United States (2017).[1]

At loanDepot park, host venue for the 2026 WBC championship round, Venezuela starter Eduardo Rodriguez of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitched 4.1 innings, allowing one hit and striking out four, including United States captain Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. Rodriguez threw 57 pitches before being relieved by manager Omar Lopez.[2][3]

Venezuela took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals. Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu added a solo home run in the fifth against United States starter Nolan McLean of the New York Mets.[4]

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 with two outs after a walk to Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., tying the score at 2-2.

In the ninth, Garrett Whitlock of the Boston Red Sox walked the leadoff batter for the United States. Pinch-runner Javier Sanoja stole second, and Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez hit an RBI double for a 3-2 lead. Chicago Cubs pitcher Daniel Palencia closed the bottom of the ninth, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Roman Anthony while Gunnar Henderson popped out.

Sources

  1. World Baseball Classic. "History". Accessed October 2024. https://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/history/
  2. MLB.com. "2026 World Baseball Classic dates, venues, pools announced". May 11, 2023. https://www.mlb.com/news/2026-world-baseball-classic-dates-venues-and-pools-announced-c288446006
  3. MLB.com. "Eduardo Rodriguez". Accessed October 2024. https://www.mlb.com/player/eduardo-rodriguez-608566
  4. MLB.com. "Wilyer Abreu". Accessed October 2024. https://www.mlb.com/player/wilyer-abreu-681987