Venezuela shocks Team USA to win World Baseball Classic for first time

Wilyer Abreu hit a solo home run to extend Venezuela's lead over the United States.

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

Only Team USA, Japan and the Dominican Republic have been able to call themselves WBC champions. Venezuela, using its momentum from a semifinal victory over Italy on Monday night, had eyes set on history. 

But no one could’ve expected what transpired at loanDepot Park in Miami, as the U.S. was held to just two hits and four total baserunners until a heroic moment by Bryce Harper made this a thrilling game in the end. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Eugenio Suárez of Team Venezuela reacts after hitting an RBI double against Team United States during the ninth inning at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Eduardo Rodriguez, the soon-to-be 33-year-old Venezuelan left-hander, had thrown to a 5.02 ERA over the past two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but you wouldn’t think so the way he was living on the corners and keeping Team USA off balance throughout his 4.1-inning start.  

Rodriguez let up just a single to Brice Turang, while notching four strikeouts including two on 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 Venezuela faithful as he made his way to the dugout, where the bullpen had to take over. 

WORLD SERIES CHAMP TAKES ISSUE WITH COVERAGE AROUND TEAM USA'S WIN OVER DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Venezuela’s relievers followed Rodriguez’s lead,