Trending Now - Italy's Nola Takes Mound in WBC Semis; Lorenzen Benched
WHO:
Francisco Cervelli, Team Italy manager, stated, "It was me. Everyone is available, but I think Nola is the right person. That's my opinion, and I'm taking responsibility for my decisions."
Nolan McLean, a 24-year-old rookie right-hander, will start for Team USA in the final against Venezuela.
Team Venezuela, Team Italy, Ronald Acuña Jr. (Venezuela), Jackson Chourio (Venezuela), Omar López (Venezuela skipper), Eugenio Suárez (Venezuela), Aaron Nola (Italy), Francisco Cervelli (Italy manager), Vinnie Pasquantino (Italy captain), MLB (Major League Baseball), Team USA.
WHAT:
Venezuela's victory over Italy marked their first advancement to the World Baseball Classic final.
Italy finished the tournament with a record of 4-1, having previously defeated the U.S. in pool play.
Venezuela defeated Italy 4-2 in the World Baseball Classic semifinals.
Venezuela advanced to the World Baseball Classic final for the first time.
Venezuela scored three runs in the seventh inning to come from behind.
Italy had a 2-0 lead in the second inning.
Venezuela's runs were scored by Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia, and Luis Arraez.
The final match will be against Team USA on March 17th, 2026.
WHERE:
The game took place at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
WHEN:
The final match between Venezuela and Team USA is scheduled for March 17th, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.
The semifinal match occurred on March 16th, 2026.
The final match is scheduled for March 17th, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.
WHY:
Venezuela aimed to showcase its baseball talent and national pride on a global stage.
Italy's surprising run in the tournament included defeating the U.S. in pool play and finishing 4-0 in Pool B.
HOW:
Venezuela's rally in the seventh inning included a score-tying infield single by Ronald Acuña Jr. and subsequent hits by Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez, leading to a three-run inning.
Venezuela executed a late-inning rally with two outs to score three runs.
Jackson Chourio singled to start the rally, followed by Ronald Acuña Jr. tying the game with an infield single.
Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez contributed with consecutive hits to secure the lead.
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 11:16 UTC)
In a thrilling turn of events, Venezuela has advanced to the World Baseball Classic final for the first time after defeating Italy, who finished the tournament with a strong record of four wins and one loss, including a previous victory over the U.S. In the decisive seventh inning, Venezuela rallied with a score-tying infield single from Ronald Acuña Jr., followed by key hits from Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez, resulting in a three-run inning. Looking ahead, the final match between Venezuela and Team USA is set for tonight at 8 p.m. ET, with rookie right-hander Nolan McLean taking the mound for Team USA.
--
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 05:25 UTC)
In an exciting semifinal match of the World Baseball Classic on March 16, 2026, Venezuela defeated Italy 4-2, marking their first-ever advance to the finals. After trailing 2-0 in the second inning, Venezuela rallied with three runs in the seventh, thanks to key contributions from Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia, and Luis Arraez. They will face Team USA in the final today at 8 p.m. ET at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.