MIAMI, FL — For six innings, Italy looked poised to complete one of the most stunning runs in World Baseball Classic history.
By the seventh, Venezuela reminded the baseball world why its lineup is among the most dangerous on the planet.
Though it took some time, Venezuela got the ball rolling offensively when the time was needed vs. Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinals – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Powered by a three-run rally in the seventh inning and dominant bullpen work late, Venezuela defeated Italy 4–2 on Monday night at loanDepot Park to advance to its first World Baseball Classic final, where it will face the United States.
In front of a crowd of 35,382 that steadily turned into a sea of Venezuelan flags and energy, the semifinal matchup delivered on its promise—a clash between a rising European program from Italy and a Latin American powerhouse chasing history.
loanDepot Park had a party Monday night and it was for all Italy vs. Venezuela with the winner advancing to the 2026 WBC Championship – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Italy, which entered the game undefeated with wins over the United States and Puerto Rico, struck first. After loading the bases in the second inning, a walk brought in the game’s opening run before an RBI groundout extended the lead to 2–0.
Behind starter Aaron Nola, who allowed just one run over four innings while striking out three, Italy controlled the tempo early and silenced Venezuela’s bats.
Venezuela’s only breakthrough in the first half came on a solo home run by Eugenio Suárez in the fourth inning, trimming the deficit to 2–1.
Eugenio Suárez started it all for Venezuela at the plate Monday night, hitting a fourth-inning solo home run to minimize the deficit to 2-1 – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Despite several threats, including multiple baserunners in early innings, Venezuela was repeatedly shut down by double plays and timely pitching.
That changed in the seventh with two outs and the crowd at full volume, the 2023 National League LatinoMVP award winner Ronald Acuña Jr., a 2019 NL LatinoMVP ROTY, sparked the rally with an infield single that drove in the tying run.
Moments later, Maikel García delivered the go-ahead hit, scoring another run to give Venezuela its first lead of the night.
“There could be 70,000 fans and his brain doesn’t stop working,” said Venezuela manager Omar López of García. “He’s at bat, but he’s paying attention to his teammates. He helps his teammates. I have seen that. That’s a gift given by God to the human being, especially in this sport. He’s a great player because that’s a tool you’re born with, you know? And when you’re on the field, the tool gets better and better and better. That’s why he’s going to be bigger and bigger.”
Maikel García’s go-head seventh inning single for Venezuela made all of Miami erupt, giving VZ a 3-2 lead with nine outs remaining – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Luis Arraez followed with an RBI single of his own, capping a three-run inning that flipped the game and ignited the stadium.
“I would put this as number one in my career,” said Acuña Jr. on where Monday night’s win ranks up in his career. “I love the Atlanta Braves, but before playing for the Braves, I was born in Venezuela. Back in Venezuela, I would put this as number one in my career. I am very happy for representing my country.”
Just one at-bat before Maikel Garcia’s go-head single, Venezuela’s superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. tied the game at two apiece, connecting on a RBI single – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
From there, Venezuela’s bullpen took over. Ángel Zerpa escaped a bases-loaded jam in the sixth, Andrés Machado struck out two in a perfect eighth inning, and closer Daniel Palencia overpowered Italy in the ninth with fastballs exceeding 100 mph to secure the win.
“This is a dream come true for me,” said López. “What can I do to bring some joy to my country?”
Omar López’s decisions from the dugouts were just as vital as his players producing on the diamond as he and his coaching staff gave them the best opportunity to succeed in certain spots – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Italy’s remarkable run, however, did not go unnoticed. Managed by Francisco Cervelli, the team showcased discipline, creativity, and resilience throughout the tournament, including a standout defensive effort that featured multiple double plays and innovative execution.
“We are no longer the Cinderella,” Cervelli said. “In three years they are going to take us seriously. They are champions… no one expected what they did.”
Cervelli also highlighted the broader impact of Italy’s performance, noting that millions tuned in to watch and that the team had “revolutionized” the sport’s presence in the country.
Despite them falling in the WBC semifinals to Venezuela Monday night, Francisco Cervelli and Team Italy had an impressive 2026 WBC run – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Though the comeback fell short, Italy’s run signaled a shift in the global landscape of baseball.
For Venezuela, however, the focus now turns to history.
With a chance to capture its first World Baseball Classic title, the team will face the United States on Tuesday night—one win away from completing a journey that has united a nation.
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