Miami: The stage is set for a blockbuster finale in the World Baseball Classic as the United States and Venezuela will clash for the championship after both teams emerged victorious in gripping semifinal encounters.
Venezuela booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 4-2 win over Italy on Monday, powered by a decisive seventh-inning rally. Maikel Garcia delivered the match-winning moment with a tie-breaking single, capping a three-run surge built on four consecutive two-out hits.
Italy had looked poised for another upset after taking a 2-0 lead early, but Venezuela turned the game around dramatically against pitcher Michael Lorenzen. Key contributions from Gleyber Torres and Ronald Acuña Jr. helped shift momentum, while Luis Arraez added an insurance run late in the inning.
Earlier, the United States secured their place in the title clash with a narrow 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in a tense semifinal. Home runs from Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony proved decisive in a game dominated by pitching and defensive intensity.
Reliever David Bednar played a crucial role in preserving the lead, escaping a high-pressure situation with runners in scoring position, before the U.S. bullpen shut the door in the final innings.
The upcoming final will see Venezuela chasing their maiden WBC title, while the United States aim to secure their second championship. Both teams have impressed throughout the tournament, finishing 3-1 in pool play before navigating the knockout rounds with composure.
With power hitters, deep pitching rotations, and high stakes, Tuesday night’s showdown in Miami promises to be a fitting finale to one of baseball’s premier international tournaments.
Source: Al Jazeera, USA Today
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