Red Sox Heroes Shine For Venezuela In Shocking WBC Upset Vs. USA

Eduardo Rodriguez and Wilyer Abreu came up big for Venezuela in the WBC final.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:20am

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Venezuela pulled off a shocking 3-2 upset over the United States in the World Baseball Classic championship game on Tuesday night. Red Sox players Eduardo Rodriguez and Wilyer Abreu played key roles in the victory, with Rodriguez throwing 4 1/3 shutout innings and Abreu hitting a solo home run. Despite being major underdogs, Venezuela prevailed in the tense matchup at loanDepot Park in Miami.

Why it matters

This was the first time in WBC history that Venezuela has won the championship, marking a major upset over the heavily favored USA team. The performance of Red Sox players like Rodriguez and Abreu on the international stage will be closely watched by the Boston fanbase as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season.

The details

Venezuela got on the board first with a sacrifice fly by Maikel Garcia in the third inning. In the fifth, Abreu extended the lead to 2-0 with a solo home run off USA starter Nolan McLean. Rodriguez, the former Red Sox pitcher, held the USA lineup scoreless over 4 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out four. USA finally tied the game in the eighth on a two-run homer by Bryce Harper off Andres Machado, but Venezuela responded immediately in the top of the ninth with a walk, stolen base, and RBI double to retake the lead. Daniel Palencia then shut down the USA in order in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory for Venezuela.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • Venezuela had defeated Italy 4-2 the previous day to advance to the championship game.

The players

Eduardo Rodriguez

A former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who threw 4 1/3 shutout innings to stymie the USA lineup in the WBC final.

Wilyer Abreu

A Red Sox player who hit a solo home run to extend Venezuela's lead in the fifth inning of the WBC championship game.

Garrett Whitlock

A Red Sox pitcher who struggled in relief for the USA team, allowing the go-ahead run in the ninth inning.

Roman Anthony

A Red Sox prospect who struck out to end the game and the USA's comeback bid.

Willson Contreras

The Red Sox's new first baseman, who appeared as a defensive replacement for Venezuela in the ninth inning.

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What’s next

The Red Sox players will rejoin their teammates in Fort Myers, Florida for the final days of spring training before the start of the 2026 MLB regular season.

The takeaway

This WBC championship victory for Venezuela, led by the heroics of Red Sox players like Rodriguez and Abreu, will be a major source of pride for the country and its baseball fans. It also highlights the growing international talent and competitiveness of the World Baseball Classic tournament.