What observers say
“We never lost confidence in the type of roster we had,” said Ronald Acuña Jr. after Venezuela’s impressive 4-2 victory over Italy in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) semifinal held in Miami on March 16, 2026. This win not only secured Venezuela’s spot in the finals but also marked a historic moment as it is the first time the team has advanced to the championship game.
Entering the match, Italy boasted an undefeated record of 5-0, showcasing their strength throughout the tournament. However, Venezuela’s performance proved to be formidable, especially in the crucial seventh inning where they scored three runs, turning the tide of the game. Acuña Jr. played a pivotal role, delivering a game-tying infield hit that set the stage for Venezuela’s comeback.
Italy initially took the lead, scoring two runs in the second inning, but their momentum was halted by Venezuela’s bullpen, which pitched an impressive 7.2 scoreless innings. Eugenio Suarez contributed to Venezuela’s success with a solo home run in the fourth inning, further energizing the team and their supporters.
Venezuela’s offensive surge in the seventh inning included an insurance run from Luis Arraez, who added an RBI single, solidifying their lead. The final score of 4-2 reflected not only the team’s resilience but also their strategic execution against a previously undefeated opponent.
“This is No. 1 for me in my career,” Acuña Jr. remarked, emphasizing the significance of this victory. The win is a testament to the hard work and determination of the Venezuelan team, who have shown remarkable growth throughout the tournament.
As the match concluded, Francisco Cervelli’s statement, “It was me,” highlighted the collective effort and individual contributions that led to this historic win. Maikel Garcia also expressed the excitement of reaching the finals, stating, “We’ve never been in the championship of the WBC before,” capturing the essence of this moment for Venezuelan baseball.
Looking ahead, Venezuela is set to face Team USA in the championship game on March 17, 2026. The anticipation is building as fans eagerly await this showdown, which promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the WBC.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the lineup for the final match, but the excitement surrounding Venezuela’s historic achievement continues to resonate within the baseball community.
