Venezuela captured its first World Baseball Classic championship Tuesday night at Houston’s Daikin Park, defeating a star-filled Team USA roster and handing the Americans their second straight loss in the tournament final.
Team USA Falls Short Again
The United States entered the title game with one of its strongest rosters ever, led by Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, but the offense never fully clicked. Team USA managed only three hits in the final and scored just four runs over its last two games.
Harper gave the Americans hope with a game-tying two-run homer in the eighth inning, but Venezuela answered in the ninth and held on for the historic win.
Venezuela Delivers in Championship Moment
Eduardo Rodríguez set the tone early, limiting the powerful U.S. lineup to one hit over 4 1/3 innings while striking out four. Venezuela’s bullpen then finished the job, sealing an emotional victory for a team led by stars including Ronald Acuña Jr., Luis Arraez and Maikel Garcia.
Eugenio Suárez delivered the go-ahead double in the ninth after Javier Sanoja stole second and came around to score, sparking a celebration as Venezuelan players rushed the field.
A Tough Finish for the Americans
Judge and the U.S. players were left disappointed after another missed chance at gold. The Americans, who last won the WBC in 2017, have now fallen in back-to-back finals after also losing to Japan in 2023.
Despite the talent on the roster, Team USA never found its rhythm offensively, and Venezuela took full advantage on baseball’s international stage.
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