Venezuela Sweeps World Championship With Perfect Performance!

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: Ronald Acuña Jr. #21 of Team Venezuela rounds the bases after his home run during the first inning against Team Japan during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot park on March 14, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images It was a battle of the relative underdogs in this semifinal, Venezuela appearing in this round for the first time in 17 years after eliminating tournament favorites and defending champions Japan in the quarters, while Italy made its first ever appearance this late in the tournament.

Italy rode their patient, disciplined approach this far in the tournament, but could never come through with the big hit tonight against a transcendent Venezuela bullpen, allowing Arepa Power to come from behind in the seventh and punch their ticket to the World Baseball Classic Championship Game against Team USA. Semifinals Game 2: Venezuela 4, Italy 2 Michael Lorenzen was supposed to start this game for Team Italy, but manager Francisco Cervelli had a last minute flash of inspiration and switched to Aaron Nola, hoping the Phillies veteran’s experience could carry the day against the dangerous Venezuela lineup. Maikel Garica was the game’s first baserunner, reaching on a one-out bunt single in the first, but he was doubled off at first by a cannon throw from center fielder Jakob Marsee on a Luis Arraez fly out.

A more conventional double play ground ball ended the bottom half after Jon Berti reached with a one-out single. Venezuela starter Keider Montero was on a strict 45-pitch limit after pitching twice over the previous five days, and it became clear in the second why his manager had such a short leash. He gave up a one-out single to Zach Dezenzo and then walked the next three batters he faced, putting Italy on the board, 1-0, and ending his outing at just 34 pitches.

Therefore, it was up to a Venezuela bullpen taxed by their efforts against Japan in the quarterfinals to pitch the final 7. 2 innings of this game. Dante Nori then rolled over a grounder to the right side resulting in Italy’s second run to score on a fielder’s choice out at second.