Venezuela defeats United States 3-2 in World Baseball Classic final
Authored by betgiris.xyz, 20/03/2026
Venezuela beat the United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic final on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. The win secured Venezuela's first title in the tournament's six editions.[1][2]
The championship game was part of the tournament's championship round hosted at loanDepot Park.[1] Venezuela, appearing in every WBC since 2006, had previously posted a best finish of fourth place in 2009.[2]
The United States, winners of the 2017 WBC, hold a 5-1 record against Venezuela in prior tournament meetings.[2]
Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to tie the score at 2-2. Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks followed with a go-ahead RBI double in the ninth.[3][4]
Daniel Palencia of the Chicago Cubs struck out Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox organization to end the game. Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals was named tournament MVP.[5][6][7]
Omar Lopez, bench coach for the Houston Astros, managed Venezuela to the title.[8]
The 2026 WBC featured 20 teams competing from early March to late March.[1]
Sources
- World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC)
WBSC announces 12 host venues for World Baseball Classic 2026
9 May 2024
https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/wbsc-announces-12-host-venues-for-world-baseball-classic-2026 - Wikipedia
Venezuela national baseball team (World Baseball Classic section)
Accessed 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venezuela_national_baseball_team#World_Baseball_Classic - MLB.com
Eugenio Suarez player page
Accessed 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-570558 - MLB.com
Bryce Harper player page
Accessed 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/bryce-harper-547180 - MLB.com
Daniel Palencia player page
Accessed 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/daniel-palencia-681987 - MLB.com
Maikel Garcia player page
Accessed 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/maikel-garcia-696128 - MLB.com
Roman Anthony player page
Accessed 2024
https://www.mlb.com/prospects/roman-anthony-690195 - MLB.com
Omar Lopez profile
Accessed 2024
https://www.mlb.com/astros/team/omar-lopez-907246