“Honoring the Padres. Had we taken the lead, he was coming in, but I wasn’t going to bring him in to a tie game,” said Mark DeRosa, reflecting on the strategic decisions made during the World Baseball Classic (WBC) final.
In a tense matchup at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026, Garrett Whitlock took the mound in the ninth inning against Venezuela, a moment that would become crucial for Team USA’s championship aspirations. Whitlock, who had previously pitched three scoreless innings in the tournament, faced a challenging situation as he entered the game.
Whitlock’s outing in the final did not go as planned; he allowed a walk and an RBI double to Eugenio Suárez, contributing to Venezuela’s decisive three runs. This marked a significant shift in the game, as Team USA had been in contention for the title until that moment.
Prior to the final, Whitlock had showcased impressive form, recording five strikeouts and not allowing a run in his previous appearances. His performance had been a bright spot for Team USA, which had relied heavily on its bullpen throughout the tournament.
The loss to Venezuela, which ended with a score of 3-2, concluded Team USA’s run in this WBC cycle. The U.S. could not respond in the bottom half of the ninth inning after Venezuela took the lead, sealing their fate in the championship.
Whitlock’s performance was particularly notable as it was his first run allowed in the tournament, following a strong outing just two days prior where he threw 16 pitches in a scoreless eighth inning against the Dominican Republic.
Despite the disappointment, Whitlock’s contributions earlier in the tournament had been significant. Team USA’s bullpen had been pivotal, but the final game highlighted the challenges they faced against a determined Venezuelan team.
As the dust settles on this championship loss, the focus will shift to future tournaments and how Team USA can regroup. Whitlock’s experience in the WBC will undoubtedly play a role in his development as a player.
Meanwhile, Eugenio Suárez celebrated the victory, stating, “Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we won the championship today!” This sentiment reflects the underdog narrative that often accompanies international competitions.
With the WBC concluded, fans and players alike will be looking forward to the next opportunities to showcase their talents on the world stage.
