Venezuela wins first World Baseball Classic championship over the United States

Venezuela Wins World Baseball Classic Title Over United States

In a closely contested final, Venezuela defeated tournament host nation United States 3-2 on Tuesday at LoanDepot Park in Miami. The victory marked Venezuela’s first World Baseball Classic title.

Eugenio Suarez drove in the winning run in the top of the ninth inning to secure the championship for Venezuela. Suarez credited his team’s success to their unity and talent, saying “This is a celebration for all the Venezuelan country.”

The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 36,190, with a large contingent of Venezuelan fans present. The atmosphere was tense, with US President Donald Trump having previously stoked tensions by congratulating Venezuela on reaching the final while suggesting the country could become the US’s “51st state.” Trump made similar comments after the game.

Venezuela dominated the Team USA lineup for long periods, with starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez stifling the American batters. The Venezuelans took an early lead in the top of the third inning and doubled their advantage in the top of the fifth inning. However, the US team rallied in the eighth inning when Bryce Harper hit a game-tying two-run homer.

Venezuela regained the lead in the ninth inning, with Suarez’s winning double securing the championship. Closer Daniel Palencia removed the final batter to seal the victory.

In response to Venezuela’s win, interim leader Delcy Rodriguez declared a “national day of jubilation” on Wednesday, saying “This triumph is the victory of the passion, talent and unity that define us as Venezuelans.”

Source: Al Jazeera