A new chapter in history! Venezuela rises to claim its first WBC championship, defeating the U.S. 3-2 on Miami home turf.
Venezuela created a miracle by toppling host nation USA in a thrilling 3-2 victory to win the World Baseball Classic (WBC) for the first time ever, amid a heated international political atmosphere.
Throughout the tournament, Venezuela displayed fierce form with a 6-1 record, highlighted by a key moment knocking out defending champions Samurai Japan 8-5 in the quarterfinals, then defeating Italy 4-2 in the semifinals, paving their way to a historic final.
In this game, Eduardo Rodriguez, a pitcher underestimated for his regular season performance, delivered a breakout showing by shutting down the star-studded U.S. lineup over 4⅓ innings, allowing only one hit.
In the 5th inning, Wilmer Abreu hit a solo home run to put Venezuela ahead 2-0.
In the 8th inning, hometown favorite Bryce Harper electrified the crowd with a two-run homer to tie the game 2-2, swiftly shifting momentum back to the U.S. side.
In the 9th inning, Eugenio Suarez became the hero with a double scoring the go-ahead run at 3-2, before Daniel Palencia closed the game by striking out Roman Anthony with a 99.7 mph fastball, securing Venezuela’s world championship instantly.
Miguel Garcia earned the tournament MVP award. Meanwhile, veteran 35-year-old catcher Salvador Perez tearfully said, "Now I feel complete," signaling a perfect end to his career, while coach Omar Lopez shouted across the field, "Long live Venezuela," sharing this joy with all Venezuelans.
Victory amid political turmoil This achievement comes at a fragile time, just months after the U.S. captured Nicolás Maduro for prosecution. For Venezuelans, this trophy is more than just a sports prize; it is a symbol of "dignity" they proudly show the world—that despite domestic chaos, they remain baseball’s number one.
Tonight, Venezuela is not anyone’s "51st state," but the "world champion" who wrote history with genuine sweat and heart.
