Venezuela Stuns Japan, Advances to WBC Semifinals

Ronald Acuña Jr.'s leadoff homer sets the tone as Venezuela knocks out defending champion Japan.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Venezuela defeated Japan 7-5 in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, ending the defending champions' bid for a fourth title. Sparked by Ronald Acuña Jr.'s leadoff home run, Venezuela rallied from an early deficit, with Wilyer Abreu's three-run blast in the sixth inning proving to be the difference. Japan's Shohei Ohtani hit a solo shot, but the Samurai's magical run came to an end as Venezuela advanced to the semifinals to face Italy.

Why it matters

Venezuela's victory over the tournament's most successful team ensures there will be a new WBC champion this year, ending Japan's reign. The win also qualifies Venezuela for the 2028 Olympics, a significant achievement for the baseball-loving nation.

The details

Venezuela trailed 5-4 entering the sixth inning, but the heart of their order rallied against Japan's fourth pitcher of the night. Ezequiel Tovar and Gleyber Torres singled to set the stage for Wilyer Abreu, who launched a three-run homer to right field, giving Venezuela a lead they would not relinquish. Earlier, Acuña and Ohtani had traded leadoff homers in an electric first inning, while Japan's Shota Morishita hit a surprise three-run shot in the third to briefly put his team ahead.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Acuña's leadoff homer came on the second pitch of the game.
  • Abreu's go-ahead three-run blast came in the sixth inning.

The players

Ronald Acuña Jr.

A star outfielder for Venezuela who set the tone with a leadoff home run.

Wilyer Abreu

A Venezuelan hitter who delivered the decisive three-run homer in the sixth inning.

Shohei Ohtani

The Japanese superstar hit a solo home run to tie the game in the first inning.

Shota Morishita

A Japanese outfielder who came off the bench and hit a three-run homer to give Japan a brief lead.

Ranger Suarez

The Venezuelan starting pitcher who settled in after Ohtani's leadoff homer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was the best moment of my career.”

— Wilyer Abreu

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Venezuela will face Italy in the WBC semifinals on Monday, March 17, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET in Miami.

The takeaway

Venezuela's victory over the tournament's most successful team ensures there will be a new WBC champion this year, ending Japan's reign. The win also qualifies Venezuela for the 2028 Olympics, a significant achievement for the baseball-loving nation.