Venezuela's Sanoja safe at 2nd in key 9th-inning play vs. USA

Replay review confirms Sanoja's slide, leading to Venezuela's first WBC championship

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:07am

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In the top of the ninth inning of the 2026 World Baseball Classic championship game, Venezuela's Javier Sanoja slid into second base as the potential go-ahead run. After a replay review, Sanoja was confirmed safe, and he eventually scored the winning run in Venezuela's 3-2 victory over Team USA. This was Venezuela's first WBC championship.

Why it matters

The safe call on Sanoja's slide was a pivotal moment in the game, as it allowed Venezuela to take the lead late and ultimately win their first WBC title. The high-stakes environment of the championship game led the U.S. team to challenge the call, but the replay review upheld the original safe decision.

The details

With the game tied 2-2 in the top of the ninth, Sanoja, a 23-year-old utility player for the Miami Marlins, slid into second base as the potential go-ahead run for Venezuela. The U.S. team challenged the safe call, but after a replay review, the umpires confirmed that Sanoja had avoided the tag and reached the base safely.

  • In the top of the ninth inning, with the game tied 2-2.
  • Venezuela's Javier Sanoja slid into second base as the potential go-ahead run.

The players

Javier Sanoja

A 23-year-old utility player for the Miami Marlins who served as the pinch runner for Venezuela in the championship game.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the United States national baseball team, who challenged the safe call on Sanoja's slide in the ninth inning.

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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

What’s next

The World Baseball Classic trophy presentation will take place immediately following the game.

The takeaway

Sanoja's safe slide at second base was a crucial moment in Venezuela's first-ever WBC championship victory, as it allowed them to take the lead late and hold on for the win against a tough Team USA squad.