Venezuela Makes History: Beats Japan and Advances to the World Baseball Classic Semifinals
Miami – The Venezuelan baseball team has achieved an epic victory by defeating Japan with a score of 8-5, securing their place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The match, full of excitement, took place at loanDepot Park.
The game was characterized by an exchange of blows from the start. Ronald Acuña Jr., Venezuelan star, hit a solo home run in the first inning to open the scoring. The Japanese response was immediate, with Shohei Ohtani tying the game with another home run.
Japan took the lead in the third inning, thanks to hits by Teruaki Sato and Shota Morishita, establishing a 5-2 lead. However, Venezuela demonstrated its ability to react.
In the fifth inning, Maikel García hit a two-run home run, bringing Venezuela closer on the scoreboard. The comeback was completed in the following inning, when Wilyer Abreu hit a three-run home run that turned the game around, putting Venezuela ahead 7-5.
The Venezuelan bullpen played a crucial role in securing the victory, containing the Japanese offense in the final innings. The relievers managed to keep the Asian champions at bay, sealing the triumph.
The last out of the game came with Shohei Ohtani at bat, marking one of the most significant victories for Venezuela in the history of the tournament.
With this triumph, Venezuela advances to the semifinals, where it will face Italy. The match is scheduled for this Sunday in Miami.
This victory equals Venezuela’s best historical performance in the World Baseball Classic, reaching the semifinals as in the 2009 edition. The vinotinto team now dreams of reaching the grand final of the tournament for the first time.
