Suarez Lights Up Pitchers' Hill as Venezuela Scores 3-1 in WBC Victory!
Venezuela overcome a dramatic Bryce Harper home run to upset Team USA en route a maidan first World Baseball Classic crown Tuesday in Miami.
Venezuela celebrates after getting the final against Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic final Tuesday at LoanDepot park Tuesday in Miami. Photo by Cristobal Herrera-Ulashkevich/EPA MIAMI, March 18 (UPI) -- Venezuelan fans detonated in ecstasy as Eugenio Suarez golfed a ninth-inning double through a gap in left center field, driving in what proved to be the game-winning run against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic finale Tuesday in Miami. They continued to roar as relief pitcher Daniel Palencia retired the Americans for the final three outs to secure the 3-2 triumph and their first tournament crown.
"Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we won the championship," Suarez, who signed this off-season with the Cincinnati Reds, said on the Fox broadcast. "This is a celebration for all of Venezuela. " Arizona Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez and the Venezuelan bullpen held the electric American bats to just three hits.
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. , Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith and Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony went a combined 0 for 19 for Team USA. "This is for our country," said Rodriguez, who allowed one hit and no runs over the first 4 1/3 innings.
"They've been pushing us and helping us to get here. " Royals infielder Maikel Garcia drew first blood with an RBI sacrifice fly in the top of the third. The Venezuelans added to their lead when Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu smacked a 414-foot solo homer on New York Mets starter Nolan McLean's second pitch of the fifth inning.