Team USA Reacts to Runner-Up Finish at World Baseball Classic

Team USA had a bittersweet moment after finishing as runners-up in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. They lost to Venezuela with a close score of 3-2, securing a silver medal. However, the atmosphere was somewhat tense, as several players seemed eager to discard their medals almost immediately after receiving them from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

Mason Miller, for instance, was quick to take his medal off before embracing coach Mark DeRosa. Kyle Schwarber, on the other hand, opted to wait until he reached the steps of the dugout before he followed suit. Other players like Logan Webb and Garrett Whitlock were seen holding their medals rather than wearing them.

This marked Miller’s first WBC experience, while Schwarber had been part of the team that fell to Japan in the finals back in 2023, also held in Miami.

Despite having a 5.02 ERA in the previous two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Venezuelan pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez kept Team USA on edge throughout his 4.1 innings. It wasn’t until the eighth inning that the Americans finally mounted a significant offense, with Bryce Harper hitting a pivotal two-run homer to equalize the score.

Things took a turn for Team USA again in the ninth inning. Garrett Whitlock, who had been solid earlier in the tournament, didn’t seem to be at his best. After allowing a walk and a stolen base, Eugenio Suarez knocked a changeup into left-center for a go-ahead double, giving Venezuela the lead.

In a crucial moment, Daniel Palencia took to the mound for Venezuela in the bottom of the ninth after a stellar performance against Italy. He capitalized on his chance, striking out several key U.S. players, including Schwarber, and solidifying Venezuela’s victory.

Venezuela’s win marked their first World Baseball Classic championship since the tournament’s inception in 2006. For Team USA, this loss serves as their second consecutive defeat in the finals, with their last victory dating back to 2017.