Trending Now - Venezuela's Arraez Sparks Semifinal Comeback Against Italy
WHO:
Omar López, Venezuela team manager, stated, “We want to give that joy to the people. We would be contributing to the mental health, life of our people in Venezuela.”
Francisco Cervelli, Italy team manager, said, “I just told the guys that they are the champions of this tournament. No one expected what they did. They are champions. They are incredible. They revolutionized Italy.”
Venezuela national baseball team
Italy national baseball team
Maikel Garcia, Kansas City Royals third baseman
Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves outfielder
Omar López, Venezuela team manager
Francisco Cervelli, former New York Yankees catcher and Italy team manager
Eugenio Suárez, designated hitter
Jackson Chourio, player for Venezuela
Luis Arraez, San Francisco Giants infielder
Aaron Nola, Italy starting pitcher
Michael Lorenzen, Italy pitcher
José Altuve, nine-time All-Star (not participating)
Pablo López, pitcher (not participating)
WHAT:
Venezuela's victory over Italy was marked by a three-run rally in the seventh inning, which included two-out singles from Jackson Chourio, Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia, and Luis Arraez.
The game against Team USA is scheduled for March 17th, 2026.
Venezuela defeated Italy 4-2 in the semifinal of the World Baseball Classic.
This victory marks the first time Venezuela has reached the championship game in the WBC's 20-year history.
Venezuela scored three runs in the seventh inning to secure the win.
Venezuela's rally included two-out singles from Jackson Chourio, Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia, and Luis Arraez.
The game was played at loanDepot Park in Miami.
WHERE:
loanDepot Park, Miami, Florida
WHEN:
The semifinal match took place on March 16th, 2026.
The final match against Team USA is scheduled for March 17th, 2026.
WHY:
The Venezuelan players have shown little interest in discussing the current political climate, focusing instead on their performance in the tournament.
Venezuela's victory is significant for the country, which has faced economic and political challenges, and highlights its passion for baseball.
The team aimed to showcase their talent and represent their country on an international stage.
HOW:
Venezuela utilized a late-inning rally strategy, overcoming a one-run deficit in the seventh inning against Italy.
Venezuela utilized a late-inning rally strategy, focusing on small ball tactics to score runs.
The team overcame injuries and absences of key players, including José Altuve and Pablo López, to achieve their victory.
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 11:17 UTC)
Venezuela's baseball team celebrated a thrilling victory over Italy, highlighted by a three-run rally in the seventh inning that featured key hits from players like Jackson Chourio and Ronald Acuña Jr. Team manager Omar López expressed the team's desire to uplift the spirits of the Venezuelan people, emphasizing their contribution to mental health through sports. Looking ahead, Venezuela is set to face Team USA today, as they continue to focus on their performance rather than the political climate back home.
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(UPDATED March 17, 2026 07:22 UTC)
In a thrilling semifinal match at loanDepot Park in Miami, Venezuela defeated Italy 4 to 2, marking the first time the Venezuelan national baseball team has reached the championship game in the World Baseball Classic's 20-year history. The victory was secured with a remarkable three-run rally in the seventh inning, featuring key hits from players like Jackson Chourio, Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia, and Luis Arraez. Venezuela's win is particularly significant as it showcases the country's passion for baseball amid ongoing economic and political challenges, and they will face Team USA in the final match scheduled for today.