Eugenio Suárez hit an RBI double in the top of the ninth inning to give Venezuela a 3-2 victory over the United States in the World Baseball Classic championship game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 17, 2026.[1][2]
Suárez, a 34-year-old third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks who was born in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, delivered the go-ahead hit off a 3-2 changeup from United States pitcher Garrett Whitlock with Javier Sanoja on second base after a steal.[3][4] Wilyer Abreu had earlier hit a solo home run for Venezuela, while Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth to tie the score at 2-2.[1][2]
After standing on second base and pointing to the sky, Suárez credited his faith in a postgame interview with FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "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," Suárez said. "I just prayed at the time."[1]
He added: "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]. The union – we are together the whole time. We’re not just teammates, we’re all family."[1]
The victory marked Venezuela's first WBC title. The team had advanced past Italy the previous day with a come-from-behind win in which Suárez hit a solo home run.[1][5] Venezuela's previous best finish was third place in 2017.[6][7]
The tournament, sanctioned by World Baseball Softball Confederation and Major League Baseball, concluded its 2026 edition with semifinals and the final at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins.[2][8] Pool play for Venezuela was held earlier in Miami.[2]
Players from both teams will return to Major League Baseball clubs following the event.[2]
Sources
- FOX Sports, "Venezuela shocks Team USA to win World Baseball Classic," March 18, 2026, https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/world-baseball-classic
- MLB.com, "2026 World Baseball Classic Schedule and Results," March 2026, https://www.mlb
