Venezuela Tops the U.S. in a Thrilling Ninth-Inning Finish at the World Baseball Classic Final
Venezuela Clinches First World Baseball Classic Title with Thrilling Win Over the U.S.
MIAMI — Venezuela achieved a historic victory at the World Baseball Classic, defeating the United States 3-2 in a nail-biting final on Tuesday night, thanks to a decisive ninth-inning double by Eugenio Suárez.
The match unfolded in front of a vibrant, pro-Venezuela crowd at LoanDepot Park, where Venezuela took an early 2-0 lead. Maikel Garcia contributed a sacrifice fly in the third inning, and Wilyer Abreu boosted the score with a homer in the fifth off rookie pitcher Nolan McLean. Stellar performances from left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez and a formidable bullpen kept the American team limited to just two hits through seven innings.
The tide shifted dramatically in the eighth inning when Bobby Witt Jr. drew a walk, setting the stage for Bryce Harper. Harper launched a two-run homer over the center-field fence, tying the game as he celebrated with a salute to coach Dino Ebel while crossing home plate.
Venezuela regained momentum in the ninth. Luis Arraez initiated the rally with a walk against Garrett Whitlock, and pinch-runner Javier Sanoja stole second just before the throw from catcher Will Smith. The decisive moment came when Suárez doubled into the left-center gap, bringing Sanoja home. The elated Suárez pointed to the sky while his teammates rushed to join him at home plate.
On the mound, Daniel Palencia secured the win with a perfect bottom of the ninth, striking out Roman Anthony to conclude the game. Venezuelan fans flooded the field in celebration as American players looked on from the dugout.
“Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we win the championship,” Suárez remarked after the game. “This is a celebration for all the Venezuelan country.”
Despite a star-studded lineup featuring players like Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes, the United States suffered its second consecutive loss in the championship match, remaining without a title since 2017. Judge ended the final with an uncharacteristic 0-for-4 performance, finishing the tournament with a .222 average and five RBIs.
The match’s backdrop was further intensified by the political tensions between the two nations, though players and coaches were cautious not to discuss these issues publicly. The crowd of 36,190 was predominantly Venezuelan, and some fans expressed their sentiments by booing American players during pregame introductions.
Venezuela’s victory marks a significant milestone, making it the second Latin American nation, after the Dominican Republic in 2013, to win the World Baseball Classic. The United States previously held the title in 2017 but faced a defeat against three-time champion Japan on the same field earlier this year.
This tournament victory reinforces Venezuela’s strong presence in Major League Baseball, where 63 Venezuelan-born players appeared on opening-day rosters last season, the second highest number after the Dominican Republic.
