Venezuela Defeats Italy, Advances to WBC Final vs. Team USA

Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 7th-inning rally sparks Venezuela's comeback win over Italy in World Baseball Classic semifinal.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:21am

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Venezuela came from behind to defeat Italy 4-2 in the World Baseball Classic semifinal, setting up a championship matchup against Team USA. Ronald Acuña Jr. sparked a 7th-inning rally with a game-tying single, and Venezuela scored two more runs to secure the victory and a spot in the final.

Why it matters

This victory pits two of the top baseball countries in the world against each other in the WBC final. Venezuela and the United States are two of the top three countries by major league rosters, making this a highly anticipated matchup between baseball powerhouses. Italy's unlikely run to the semifinals also came to an end, as the team made up mostly of American-born players of Italian heritage exceeded expectations.

The details

With two outs in the 7th inning and runners on first and third, Acuña legged out an infield single to tie the game at 2-2. Venezuela then added two more runs in the inning to take a 4-2 lead, which they would hold on to for the victory. Italy starting pitcher Aaron Nola held Venezuela scoreless through 4 innings, but the Venezuelan offense broke through late against the Italian bullpen.

  • The game was played on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida.
  • Venezuela scored 3 runs in the 7th inning to take the lead.

The players

Ronald Acuña Jr.

Venezuelan outfielder who sparked his team's 7th-inning comeback with a game-tying single.

Aaron Nola

Italian starting pitcher who held Venezuela scoreless through 4 innings.

Vinnie Pasquantino

Italian team captain who described his team as 'a lot of stereotypical Italians... a lot of guys from Jersey'.

Francisco Cervelli

Manager of the Italian national team.

Omar López

Manager of the Venezuelan national team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Venezuela will face Team USA in the World Baseball Classic championship game on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This matchup between Venezuela and the United States features two of the top baseball powerhouses in the world, setting up an exciting finale to the 2026 World Baseball Classic tournament.