Venezuela secured its first World Baseball Classic title Sunday night, defeating the United States 3-2 at loanDepot Park in Miami. The victory ended the U.S. team’s four-year streak as reigning champion and marked the first time Venezuela has claimed the tournament crown, according to WBC records.
Eduardo Rodriguez, the Venezuelan pitcher, delivered a standout performance despite a rough past two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The left-hander allowed just one hit and struck out four over 4.1 innings before being replaced by relievers who kept Team USA at bay, the tournament organizers said. Rodriguez received a standing ovation from Venezuelan fans as he exited the game.
Venezuela’s offense came through in key moments, taking a 2-0 lead by the fifth inning. Maikel Garcia scored the first run in the third on a sacrifice fly, and Wilyer Abreu homered in the fifth to extend the lead. Despite limited hits, Venezuela managed clutch hits to keep its advantage, the tournament reported.
Team USA mounted a late rally in the eighth inning. Bryce Harper hit a game-tying home run with two outs, rejuvenating the American side after struggling to generate offense. The blast sparked a celebration on the U.S. bench, but Venezuela responded quickly in the ninth. Eugenio Suarez doubled home the go-ahead run, and Daniel Palencia closed out the game for the victory.
Venezuela’s win ended a tournament where only Japan, the Dominican Republic, and the U.S. had previously taken the title. It was described by tournament officials as a historic upset, with Venezuela’s pitchers and timely hitting proving decisive in the final moments.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
