Venezuela Defeats Italy, Advances to World Baseball Classic Final

Eugenio Suárez's solo home run helps propel Venezuela to championship game

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Venezuela's baseball team defeated Italy 4-2 in the World Baseball Classic semifinal, advancing to the tournament final. Cincinnati Reds slugger Eugenio Suárez hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to get Venezuela on the board. After the game, Suárez expressed how meaningful it is for him to represent Venezuela in the WBC and play in front of their home crowd in Miami.

Why it matters

Venezuela was considered a dark horse coming into the World Baseball Classic, and they have exceeded expectations by defeating the reigning champion Japan and the previously unbeaten Italy to reach the final. This run to the championship game is a source of pride and excitement for Venezuelans both at home and abroad.

The details

Venezuela took down Italy 4-2 in the WBC semifinal. Eugenio Suárez, the Cincinnati Reds slugger, hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to get Venezuela on the board. Venezuela went on to score three more runs to secure the victory and a spot in the tournament final against Team USA.

  • The semifinal game was played on Monday, March 17, 2026.
  • Venezuela will face Team USA in the WBC final on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Eugenio Suárez

A slugger for the Cincinnati Reds who hit a crucial solo home run to help Venezuela defeat Italy and advance to the World Baseball Classic final.

Venezuela

The Venezuelan national baseball team, which was considered a dark horse coming into the World Baseball Classic but has exceeded expectations by reaching the tournament final.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm so happy to be able to do this for my family, for our crowd, our people from Venezuela. They cheer for us all day long, all game long. … It means a lot. I got to say, it's a dream come true right now. I never thought in my life that I'm gonna represent my country and do it in front of our crowd here in Miami, and do it for all the Venezuelans in Venezuela, I feel so happy.”

— Eugenio Suárez (MLB Network)

What’s next

Venezuela will face Team USA in the World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday, March 18, 2026. The winner will be crowned the champion of the 2026 tournament.

The takeaway

Venezuela's run to the World Baseball Classic final is a source of immense pride for the country and its baseball fans. The team's success has exceeded expectations and showcases the talent and passion of Venezuelan baseball players on the global stage.