TST Today: Why Team USA Fell Short & Dodgers Spring Training
Mar 17, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Venezuela reacts on the stage after defeating the United States during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Championship game at loanDepot Park. Welcome to The Sporting Tribune Podcast Network and a new episode of The Sporting Tribune Today, our every-weekday show on sports in Southern California, Las Vegas and Hawaii. In today's episode, host Grant Mona reacts to a devastating Tuesday night at loanDepot Park as Venezuela stunned the world to win its first World Baseball Classic title with a 3–2 victory over the United States.
Grant breaks down the “failure of the favorites”: The Bats Go Cold: Despite a roster with 382 combined home runs, the U. S. managed just three hits all night.
Grant questions how a lineup featuring Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber could go nearly silent until Bryce Harper’s heroic, game-tying two-run shot in the 8th. The Rookie Gamble: Analysis of Mark DeRosa’s decision to start rookie Nolan McLean in the biggest game in U. S.
history. While McLean was solid (4. 2 IP, 4 K), Grant discusses if the lack of a veteran “stopper” early on allowed Venezuela to dictate the tempo.
The Eugenio Suárez Dagger: A look at the top of the 9th, where Eugenio Suárez doubled home Javier Sanoja to seal the U. S. ’s second straight runner-up finish.