The roar inside Miami’s loanDepot Park reached a breaking point Monday night, when Ronald Acuña Jr. turned a routine ground ball into a moment that will live in Venezuelan baseball history.
Racing down the first-base line, Acuña beat the throw from Italian shortstop Sam Antonacci—but he didn’t stop there. As the tying run crossed the plate, the Venezuelan superstar sprinted toward second, high-stepping and shouting as thousands of fans erupted alongside him. It was the spark that ignited a decisive rally and carried Venezuela to a dramatic 4-2 victory over Italy in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.
Moments later, the Venezuelan dugout spilled onto the field, players mimicking the rhythmic pounding of tamboras, celebrating not just a comeback—but a breakthrough.
A seventh-inning surge for the ages. Trailing 2-1 entering the seventh inning, Venezuela’s lineup came alive when it mattered most. Acuña’s infield RBI single tied the game, setting off a sequence of clutch, two-out hitting.
Maikel Garcia followed with a sharp RBI single to center field, giving Venezuela its first lead of the night. Then, three-time batting champion Luis Arraez delivered the knockout blow, driving in another run to cap a four-hit rally and extend the lead to 4-2.
The four consecutive two-out hits flipped the game instantly—and ultimately ended Italy’s improbable tournament run.
Italy, one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, struck first and carried a 2-0 lead into the middle innings behind timely hitting and strong pitching. But after holding Venezuela in check early, they couldn’t contain the late offensive surge.
The loss marked Italy’s first defeat of the tournament and closed the book on a remarkable Cinderella run that included an undefeated stretch through pool play.
For Venezuela, the victory is monumental. A nation rich in baseball tradition and talent had never reached the World Baseball Classic final—until now.
Just days after a stunning comeback win over Japan in the quarterfinals, Venezuela has continued its surge, fueled by energy, culture, and star power.
Now, they stand one win away from their first WBC championship. Awaiting Venezuela is a powerhouse United States national baseball team squad, setting up a highly anticipated final between two of the sport’s elite nations.
The matchup is a rematch of their intense 2023 quarterfinal meeting, won by the Americans, and will once again take place in Miami—home to one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the United States.
Veteran left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez is expected to take the mound for Venezuela, while top prospect Nolan McLean is slated to start for Team USA.
With the United States designated as the home team after a coin flip, the stage is set for a championship clash packed with star power, national pride, and rising tension.
What began as a tournament run fueled by belief and momentum has turned into something far greater for Venezuela—a chance to claim its first World Baseball Classic title.
And if Monday night proved anything, it’s that this team thrives in the biggest moments.
With Acuña leading the charge and a nation behind them, Venezuela now turns its attention to one final game—with history within reach.
