MIAMI — Venezuela claimed its first ever World Baseball Classic championship, defeating the United States 3‑2 in a thrilling title game on Tuesday night at loanDepot Park. The winning run came in the ninth inning when Eugenio Suárez delivered a clutch double that sealed the historic victory.
Early Lead Sets the Tone
Venezuela jumped ahead early in the game, taking a 2‑0 lead thanks to a sacrifice fly by Maikel García and a solo home run from Wilyer Abreu. Venezuelan pitchers, including Eduardo Rodríguez, stifled the U.S. lineup for much of the match, limiting them to minimal scoring opportunities.
U.S. Forces Late Rally
Team USA fought back in the eighth inning when Bobby Witt Jr. drew a walk and Bryce Harper launched a two‑run homer to tie the game at 2‑2, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Decisive Ninth Inning
In the ninth, Luis Arraez reached base with a walk and pinch‑runner Javier Sanoja stole second. Suárez’s RBI double drove in the go‑ahead run, sending Venezuelan fans into celebration. Daniel Palencia then closed out the bottom of the inning to secure the championship.
Historic Achievement and Celebration
The victory marks a watershed moment for Venezuelan baseball, with the nation becoming only the second Latin American team to win the World Baseball Classic. The Venezuelan squad and its supporters celebrated passionately in and out of the stadium as the country savored its first WBC crown.