By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro, Imagn Images
Venezuela has done it. Venezuela wins the World Baseball Classic over Team USA with the final score of 3-2.
When Bryce Harper tied the game in the bottom of the eighth inning, it seemed like all the momentum was going to go the USA’s way. The home run came at the right time. Harper had been struggling in the tournament. It was his first home of the tournament. Better late than never.
As great as that moment was, it lasted very shortly.
Eugenio Suarez delivered the big RBI double in the top of the ninth inning to give Venezuela the lead. Suarez has delivered big moments in his career. The most recent one came in October, when he hit a go-ahead grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series. However, this one is sweeter because it helped Venezuela win a championship.
Javier Sanoja’s baserunning ability was the most important part of the ninth inning. Sanoja stole second base to put Suarez in a position to hit the RBI double. Sanoja becomes the third Miami Marlins player to win the World Baseball Classic, joining Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich, who won with the USA in 2017.
Wilyer Abreu, who is best known for his defense, is making his mark as a potential offensive threat. Abreu hit a solo home run in this game.
Maikel Garcia was named MVP of the tournament. Garcia drove in the first run of the game for Venezuela.
Venezuela’s pitching was outstanding. Eduardo Rodriguez took the mound for Venezuela. He pitched four scoreless innings. The 26-year-old Daniel Palencia closed out the game by getting out Kyle Schwarber, Gunnar Henderson, and Roman Anthony.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will go down as arguably the best tournament of all time. The emotions of the fans and players reached a new level. The competition was fierce and exciting—a lot of talent in the ballpark from so many countries.
Congratulations to Venezuela! Here’s an example of a team taking it all in and embracing the emotion of the championship.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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