Venezuela defeats United States 3-2 for first World Baseball Classic title

Venezuela defeated the United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic championship game on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, securing the country's first title in the tournament's history.[1][2]

The World Baseball Classic, held every four years and co-organized by Major League Baseball and the World Baseball Softball Confederation, has previously been won by the United States (2017), Japan (2009, 2023) and the Dominican Republic (2006, 2013).[2][3] Venezuela entered the final after a semifinal win over Italy on March 16.

Eduardo Rodriguez, a 32-year-old left-handed pitcher born in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, started for Venezuela and pitched 4.1 innings, allowing one hit and striking out four batters, including United States captain Aaron Judge.[4][5] Rodriguez, who spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, threw 57 pitches before being relieved by manager Omar Lopez.[4]

Wilyer Abreu, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, hit a solo home run in the fifth inning off United States starter Nolan McLean, extending Venezuela's lead to 2-0.[4][6] Maikel Garcia added an RBI sacrifice fly in the third inning for the first run.

Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning for the United States, tying the score at 2-2 after a walk to Bobby Witt Jr.[4]

In the top of the ninth, Eugenio Suárez, a third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, hit an RBI double off Garrett Whitlock after a walk and stolen base, scoring pinch-runner Javier Sanoja for a 3-2 lead.[4][7]

Daniel Palencia pitched the bottom of the ninth for Venezuela, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Roman Anthony and inducing a pop-up from Gunnar Henderson to close the game.

loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, hosted the 2023 World Baseball Classic final between Japan and the United States and was selected again for the 2026 championship game.[1][3]