MIAMI — On Monday night, Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Garcia, and Luis Arraez came through with crucial two-out singles during a seventh-inning rally, leading Venezuela to a 4-2 win over Italy. This victory not only secured the win but also marked Venezuela’s first trip to the World Baseball Classic championship game.
Earlier, Venezuela had staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against defending champion Japan in the quarterfinals—quite the feat, considering they had lost to South Korea in their only semifinal match back in 2009.
It looks like Eduardo Rodriguez is set to pitch against American Nolan McLean on Tuesday night, as Venezuela faces the United States for the title. Both teams hold a 5-1 record, and, interestingly, a coin toss was held on Monday to decide the home team, which went in favor of the United States.
Italy made history as the first European nation to reach the WBC semi-finals, having a perfect 5-0 run throughout the tournament. Their rituals—like drinking espresso after home runs and celebrating with Italian wine—grabbed attention, which was quite charming, to be honest.
However, despite a lineup featuring three players born in Italy along with several major leaguers and some from minor leagues, they couldn’t hold onto a late advantage against a powerful Venezuelan offense, which scored three runs consecutively to the delight of the enthusiastic pro-Venezuela fans at Lawn Depot Park.
In the second inning, things started out shaky for Italy as Kaider Montero allowed three straight walks, setting the stage for J.J. Dorazio, who pushed Italy into the lead. Even though Dante Noli contributed with a forceout that scored, Sanchez was the first of six relief pitchers who collectively managed five hits.
A revitalizing moment came in the fourth inning when Eugenio Suarez hit a home run off Aaron Nola, sparking a comeback. The sixth inning saw game-winner Angel Zerpa successfully navigate a tricky bases-loaded situation against Sam Antonacci.
Gleyber Torres led off the seventh with a walk against Michael Lorenzen, and Jackson Chorio’s double put runners on first and third. Acuña grounded to the shortstop hole, managing to beat Antonacci’s throw to allow pinch runner Andres Jimenez to score. Garcia then faced a 2-0 fastball, pushing Chorio to score, and Arraez later followed suit, hitting a single that sent Lorenzen packing.
Daniel Palencia closed out the game impressively, striking out Antonacci to clinch the victory.
