Red Sox Heroes Shine For Venezuela In Shocking WBC Upset Vs. USA
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For the first time in World Baseball Classic history, Venezuela is the last team standing.
Venezuela pulled off a shocking upset of the United States in the WBC championship game on Tuesday night, outlasting USA in a tense 3-2 thriller at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Coming off a 4-2 win over Italy on Monday, Venezuela was more shorthanded than USA, which had Monday off. It didn't matter in the end, however, as Venezuela prevailed despite being major road underdogs.
Venezuela got off to a good start against Nolan McLean, drawing first blood on Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly in the top of the third. In the fifth, Wilyer Abreu extended the lead to 2-0 with a long solo shot off McLean, giving Venezuela some breathing room.
WILYER ABREU GOES YARD! pic.twitter.com/wG0Jn0OZVn
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 18, 2026
Meanwhile, Eduardo Rodriguez stymied USA's All-Star lineup over 4 1/3 shutout innings. He allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out four.
USA finally woke up in the eighth, tying the game on Bryce Harper's clutch two-run blast off Andres Machado and setting the stage for a dramatic ninth inning.
Venezuela immediately responded with a walk, a stolen base and a double against Garrett Whitlock to re-take the lead. For the second night in a row, Daniel Palencia slammed the door shut, setting USA down in order and striking out Roman Anthony to end the game.
While Boston Red Sox stars Whitlock and Anthony both struggled in this game for USA, their teammate Abreu delivered his second huge home run of the tournament for Venezuela.
Meanwhile, the former Red Sox World Series hero Rodriguez was stellar on the mound, putting his big-game experience to good use. New Boston first baseman Willson Contreras also appeared for Venezuela as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning.
After battling against each other in one of the biggest games of their lives, the Red Sox stars will return to Fort Myers together (minus Rodriguez) and resume spring training as they prepare for Opening Day next week in Cincinnati.
More MLB: Red Sox Stars Fall Short In USA's Crushing WBC Loss To Venezuela