Home World Baseball Classic Venezuela defeats United States 3-2 to win first World Baseball Classic title

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Mar 18, 2026

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

Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic 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 night.^[1]

Prior to Venezuela's triumph, the WBC titles had been claimed by Japan in 2006, 2009 and 2023, the Dominican Republic in 2013, and the United States in 2017.^[2]

Eduardo Rodriguez, a left-handed starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitched 4.1 innings for Venezuela, allowing one hit to Milwaukee Brewers infielder Brice Turang and recording four strikeouts, including two against New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge.^[3] Rodriguez, who turns 33 in April 2026, exited after 57 pitches to a standing ovation.^[4]

Venezuela took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia. Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu, representing Venezuela, added a solo home run in the fifth inning off United States starter Nolan McLean.^[5]

The United States rallied in the bottom of the eighth inning. After a walk to Bobby Witt Jr., Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run to tie the score at 2-2.

Venezuela regained the lead in the top of the ninth when pinch-runner Javier Sanoja stole second and Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman playing for Venezuela, hit an RBI double off Garrett Whitlock. Daniel Palencia then pitched a perfect bottom of the ninth, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Roman Anthony while Gunnar Henderson popped out, securing the victory.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic final was held at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, as scheduled by the World Baseball Softball Confederation.^[1]