Venezuela Defeats Italy to Reach WBC Final Against Team USA

Venezuela mounts a seventh-inning comeback to end Italy's underdog run and advance to the World Baseball Classic championship game.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:10pm

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Venezuela came from behind to defeat Italy 4-2 in the World Baseball Classic semifinal, ending Italy's improbable tournament run. Venezuela trailed 2-1 entering the seventh inning, but rallied for three runs to take the lead and hold on for the victory. The win sends Venezuela to the WBC final, where they will face Team USA.

Why it matters

Venezuela's victory establishes them as a rising baseball power on the global stage, providing a boost to the country amid ongoing political and economic turmoil. Italy's underdog run to the semifinals was one of the feel-good stories of the tournament, showcasing the growth of baseball internationally.

The details

Venezuela starter Keider Montero struggled early, allowing two runs in the second inning. But Venezuela got on the board with a solo homer from Eugenio Suárez in the fourth. In the seventh, Venezuela rallied against Italian reliever Michael Lorenzen, with Gleyber Torres, Jackson Chourio, Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia and Luis Arráez all driving in runs to give Venezuela a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish.

  • Venezuela mounted their seventh-inning comeback on March 16, 2026.
  • The WBC final between Venezuela and Team USA will be played on March 17, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET.

The players

Keider Montero

The 25-year-old Tigers pitcher started for Venezuela but struggled early, allowing two runs in the second inning.

Eugenio Suárez

The Venezuelan slugger hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to get his team on the board.

Michael Lorenzen

The Italian reliever was sharp early but got into trouble in the seventh inning, allowing Venezuela to rally for three runs and take the lead.

Gleyber Torres

The Venezuelan second baseman drew a leadoff walk in the seventh to spark the rally.

Jackson Chourio

The young Brewers star delivered a key single in the seventh-inning rally to help Venezuela take the lead.

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What they’re saying

“We have to come tomorrow and play the same way we played against Japan, against Italy, and we have to show the world who Venezuela is.”

— Ronald Acuña Jr.

What’s next

The WBC final between Venezuela and Team USA will be played on March 17, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

Venezuela's comeback victory over Italy not only advances them to the WBC final, but also establishes them as a rising global baseball power and provides a much-needed boost to the country amid ongoing political and economic turmoil.