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| Photo: Getty Images |
[Sports Today reporter Lee Sang-pil] Venezuela knocked off Italy to reach the final of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Venezuela rallied for a 4-2 win over Italy in the semifinal at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, on March 17 (Korean time).
Prior to this tournament, Venezuela’s best WBC result was a semifinal appearance in 2009, when they lost to South Korea. This marks just the nation’s second trip to the semifinals and the first time Venezuela has advanced to the championship game.
Venezuela will face host nation the United States for the title at loanDepot Park on the 18th at 9 a.m.
Italy, making its first WBC semifinal appearance, had hoped to push on to the final but saw its run end here.
Maikel Garcia led Venezuela’s offense with two hits and an RBI, Eugenio Suarez launched a solo home run, and Ronald Acuña Jr. and Luis Arraez each contributed a hit and an RBI.
On the mound, starter Keider Montero lasted just 1 2/3 innings and allowed two runs, but Venezuela’s bullpen locked down the game with 7 1/3 scoreless innings.
For Italy, Aaron Nola turned in a quality start, allowing one run over four innings. The game slipped away when reliever Michael Lorenzen gave up three runs across 2 2/3 innings.
Italy struck first. In the bottom of the second, Zac Derenzo’s hit and walks to Jack Caggiano and Andrew Fisher loaded the bases. J.J. Dorazio drew a bases-loaded walk to force in a run, and Dante Nori followed with an RBI groundout to make it 2-0. Venezuela, meanwhile, were held scoreless through three innings by Nola’s strong outing.
In the top of the fourth, Suarez ignited the rally with a solo homer. The bullpen then kept Italy contained, maintaining a one-run deficit and setting the stage for a late comeback.
Venezuela seized the moment in the top of the seventh. With two outs and runners at the corners following a Gleyber Torres walk and a Jackson Churio single, Acuña Jr. delivered an RBI single to tie the game at 2-2. Garcia followed with an RBI single to put Venezuela ahead 3-2, and Arraez added another RBI single to extend the lead to 4-2.
Venezuela closed it out as Eduardo Bazardo, Andres Machado, and Daniel Palencia combined to finish the final 7 1/3 innings without allowing a run. The game ended as a 4-2 comeback victory for Venezuela.
[Sports Today reporter Lee Sang-pil sports@stoo.com]
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