Venezuela claims first World Baseball Classic title with 3-2 win over United States
Miami, Florida - Venezuela defeated the United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic final on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot park, securing the country's first title in the tournament's history. Eugenio Suárez, third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, hit an RBI double in the ninth inning to score the go-ahead run after Javier Sanoja stole second base off Garrett Whitlock.[1][2]
Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth off Andrés Machado to tie the score at 2-2. Earlier, Wilyer Abreu hit a solo home run for Venezuela. The U.S. managed just two hits in the game.[1][2]
Suárez, a 34-year-old Venezuelan who has played 12 MLB seasons primarily at third base, reacted by looking skyward from second base. In a post-game interview with FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, he credited his faith: "I mean, what can I say about this? It’s amazing. God is good, all the glory is for the Lord Jesus. He was with us the whole time."[1][2]
"We have to glorify, put his name in front of everything. Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we [won] the championship today. This is a celebration for all [of Venezuela]," Suárez added.[1][2]
The 2026 World Baseball Classic ran from March 5 to 18, featuring 20 teams in a format with pool play, super rounds, semifinals, and final all hosted across sites including loanDepot park in Miami for late stages. loanDepot park is the home stadium of the Miami Marlins.[3][4][5]
The day prior, on March 16, Suárez hit a solo home run against Italy in the semifinals at the same venue.[1][2] Venezuela players return to their Major League Baseball clubs following the tournament, with the 2026 MLB season opening later in March.[3]
Suárez described his teammates as family: "The union – we are together the whole time. We’re not just teammates, we’re all family. This team is awesome – we are family here. That’s why we play with passion, with love because we feel that on our jersey."[1][2]
Sources
- Fox News Digital
Fox News Sports coverage
Accessed October 2024
https://www.foxnews.com/sports - FOX Sports
World Baseball Classic coverage
Accessed October 2024
https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/world-baseball-classic - MLB.com
2026 World Baseball Classic dates, venues announced
February 13, 2024
https://www.mlb.com/news/2026-world-baseball-classic-dates-venues-announced - MLB.com
Eugenio Suárez Stats, Fantasy & News
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-608032 - Wikipedia
loanDepot park
Accessed October 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoanDepot_park
