Venezuela defeats Team USA to win World Baseball Classic in thrilling fashion

Venezuela’s dominant pitching and timely hitting shocked the United States, 3-2, as they captured the World Baseball Classic (WBC) title for the first time in team history.

Only the USA, Japan and the Dominican Republic could call themselves WBC champions. Using the momentum from its semi-final victory over Italy on Monday night, Venezuela had its sights set on history.

But no one could have expected what happened at CreditDepot Park in Miami, as the USA had just two hits and four total baserunners until a heroic moment from Bryce Harper finally made this an exciting game.

CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM

Soon-to-be 33-year-old Venezuelan left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez had a 5.02 ERA over the last two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but you wouldn’t think of that as he lived in the corners and kept Team USA off-balance throughout his 4.1 inning start.

While Rodriguez allowed just one single goal to Brice Turang, he allowed four goals, including two to Team USA captain Aaron Judge. He probably wanted to go longer considering how much of a rhythm he was in, but manager Omar Lopez pulled Rodriguez after 57 pitches. He received a standing ovation from the Venezuelan faithful as he made his way to the dugout, where he would take over the arena.

WORLD SERIES CHAMPION RESOLVES PROBLEMS WITH NEWS OF USA WIN OVER DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Venezuela’s relievers followed Rodriguez’s lead and continued to confuse team USA hitters, where only Bryce Harper managed to score on a single off Jose Bhutto in the bottom of the sixth inning. But Judge had a chance to swing the momentum in the USA’s favor as the captain advanced to third base to end the inning.

At the same time, Venezuela wasn’t brightening the scoreboard, but they came up clutch at key moments and made it 2-0 in the fifth shot. Team USA starter Nolan McLean found himself with runners on first and second when he pulled a curveball past catcher Will Smith, allowing the Venezuelans to get into scoring position.

Wilyer Abreu of Team Venezuela runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against Team United States during the fifth inning at CreditDepot Park in Miami, Florida on March 17, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

Maikel Garcia lofted a fly ball to center field to give the home team the first run in the top of the third inning, striking out first as Team USA tried to figure out Rodriguez.

Then, Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu didn’t miss a stitch on McLean’s center field fastball in the top of the fifth, blasting it over the center field wall.

If Venezuela had momentum before, there was no denying it as he ran around the bases like a madman, rushing towards the field as fast as he could to celebrate the moment with his teammates as the crowd went wild.

But the funny thing about momentum is that it can change at any moment, and it was the last of the eighth for Team USA.

TRUMP SAYS VENEZUELA AS 51ST STATE AFTER TEAM PROGRESSING TO WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC FINAL

Bryce Harper, Bobby Witt Jr. After his walk, he stepped onto the plate with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning. At this point Team USA had only two hits and four total baserunners, and no one could get past first base.

Harper was one of the USA’s most successful players, and Andres Machado had bowled his fifth straight ball to give him a hitter count. The next pitch threw a fastball right up the middle and Harper hit his best shot.

Bryce Harper of Team USA celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run against Team Venezuela during the eighth inning at CreditDepot Park in Miami, Florida on March 17, 2026. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The crowd rose to its feet as Harper watched the ball fly deep into center field, knowing the game was tied at bat. Harper screamed as the U.S. team’s bench took the field to celebrate the point, which galvanized the entire U.S. side. When Harper touched third base, he saluted and pointed to the American flag on his left arm before reaching home.

Considering the way the game was going, the United States desperately needed this moment; Ultimately they only had four outs left.

But Venezuela didn’t miss a beat in the top of the ninth as Garrett Whitlock, who played a high-leverage role earlier in the tournament, didn’t look his usual self. He drew a walk to start the inning, and after Venezuelan pinch-runner Javier Sanoja stole second base, Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead double on a changeup to left-center field to retake the lead.

Daniel Palencia got the call in the bottom of the ninth for Venezuela after shutting out Italy, and the Chicago Cubs agreed that was the only time he could pitch again.

Venezuelan Wilyer Abreu (16) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of the World Baseball Classic championship game against the United States on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION

He made the most of the opportunity by putting Kyle Schwarber in front, getting Gunnar Henderson to meet Garcia and slotting past Roman Anthony to seal an emotional victory for Venezuela.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on X and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.