Venezuela reaches the 2026 World Baseball Classic final

Eugenio Suarez (Hayden Schiff, Wikimedia Commons)

We now know who the United States will face in the finals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Miami, Florida on Tuesday. After the United States defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 on Sunday night, Venezuela defeated Italy by a score of 4-2 in the other semifinal on Monday in south Florida.

The Venezuelans got off to a bit of a slow start, as it was the Italians that took a 2-0 lead. Then Venezuela scored four unanswered runs to win the baseball game by two.

The Venezuelan who scored their first run of the game was Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Eugenio Suarez of Puerto Ordaz, who hit a home run in the fourth inning. Then Venezuela scored three runs on four straight singles. The Venezuelan players with singles were Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio of Maracaibo, Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. of La Guaira, Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia of La Sabana, and San Francisco Giants first baseman Luis Arraez of San Felipe.

It should be no surprise that Arraez recorded a key single. He has led the Major Leagues in singles the last two seasons. While with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres in 2024, Arraez had 161 singles. The in 2025, Arraez had a Major League high 139 singles with the Padres.

Meanwhile on the mound, it was another Venezuelan who plays for the Milwaukee Brewers who had a notable result. Angel Zerpa of Valle de la Pascua got the win after throwing two thirds of an inning of shutout baseball. Meanwhile, Seattle Mariners reliever Eduardo Bazardo of Marcay, and Andres Machado recorded holds, and Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia of San Carlos had the save.