MIAMI — Venezuela captured its first World Baseball Classic title Tuesday night, edging the United States 3-2 in a tense championship game defined by dominant pitching and late-inning drama.
Behind a strong start from left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez and a clutch ninth-inning hit by Eugenio Suárez, Venezuela held off a star-studded U.S. lineup at loanDepot Park to secure the country’s first title in the tournament’s history.
Venezuela struck first on a solo home run from Wilyer Abreu, and carried a 2-1 lead into the late innings as Rodríguez limited the Americans to minimal offense through the first half of the game.
The United States, seeking its second title after winning in 2017, broke through in the eighth inning when Bryce Harper launched a game-tying home run to even the score at 2-2, igniting the crowd and setting up a dramatic finish.
But Venezuela responded immediately in the top of the ninth. Suárez delivered a go-ahead RBI double, putting Venezuela back in front, 3-2.
In the bottom half, the U.S. threatened against hard-throwing closer Daniel Palencia, bringing the potential tying and winning runs to the plate. However, Palencia shut the door, retiring the final hitters to secure the victory.
The win capped a breakthrough tournament for Venezuela, which reached the final for the first time after defeating Japan in the quarterfinals and Italy in the semifinals.
For the United States, managed by Mark DeRosa, the loss marked a second consecutive runner-up finish after falling in the 2023 championship game.
Despite a lineup featuring major league stars, the Americans struggled to generate consistent offense and were unable to capitalize on late opportunities.
Venezuela’s victory represents a historic milestone for one of baseball’s most talent-rich nations, delivering a long-awaited championship on the international stage.
