Venezuela national baseball team powered into its first-ever World Baseball Classic final with a 4-2 comeback victory over Italy national baseball team, fueled by a decisive seventh-inning rally.
Led by stars Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez, Venezuela produced three consecutive two-out RBI singles in the seventh inning to overturn a late deficit and seize control of the game.
The win sets up a championship showdown against the United States national baseball team, with Eduardo Rodríguez expected to start for Venezuela against Nolan McLean for the U.S.
Venezuela’s energy was evident from the start, as players danced to traditional tambor rhythms in the dugout before first pitch—a cultural ritual that has become a defining feature of their tournament run.
“That’s us. That’s our country,” said manager Omar López. “That’s how we enjoy our baseball.”
Italy, managed by Francisco Cervelli, entered the semifinal unbeaten at 5-0 and made history as the first European team to reach this stage. They took a 2-0 lead early, capitalizing on walks and steady pressure.
But Venezuela responded in the fourth inning with a home run from Eugenio Suárez, sparking a comeback that culminated in the dramatic seventh inning.
After Gleyber Torres reached base and Jackson Chourio delivered a key hit, Acuña tied the game with an infield single. Garcia followed with the go-ahead RBI, and Arraez added insurance to complete the rally.
On the mound, relievers including Ángel Zerpa helped keep Italy in check before Daniel Palencia closed the game with a dominant save, striking out the final batter.
Despite the loss, Italy’s run was widely celebrated. Team captain Vinnie Pasquantino emphasized the broader impact of their performance.
“We weren’t successful on the field tonight, but we were successful in Italy,” he said, highlighting the growing popularity of baseball in the country.
For Venezuela, the focus now shifts to the final, where they aim to complete a historic run and claim their first World Baseball Classic title.