Star Venezuelan Slugger Garcia Lights Up Cubs Stadium—Series Stirs Fans!
The 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinal Monday saw Maikel Garcia describe a home-like Venezuela atmosphere in a huge win vs. Team Italy.
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The 2026 World Baseball Classic delivered another defining moment as Venezuela advanced past Italy in a high-energy semifinal. The matchup showcased not only timely hitting but also an atmosphere that felt anything but neutral. The semifinal at loanDepot Park in Miami ended with Venezuela securing a 4–2 victory over Italy, sending the team to its first World Baseball Classic final.
Italy struck early, building a 2–0 lead. Venezuela responded in the fourth inning when Eugenio Suarez launched a solo home run to cut the deficit. The swing shifted momentum and set the stage for a late-game rally.
The turning point came in the seventh inning. With two outs, Ronald Acuna Jr. , Maikel Garcia, and Luis Arraez delivered three consecutive RBI singles.