Venezuela defeated Italy 4-2 in the 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinal on March 16 at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, securing their spot against Team USA in the finals.
The high-stakes Italy vs Venezuela matchup, which determines President Trump's Team USA's opponent, featured Aaron Nola starting for undefeated Italy versus Venezuela's powered lineup.
Venezuela rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the seventh inning, overcoming Italy's early lead from a bases-loaded walk and forceout.
This victory sets up a Venezuela vs USA WBC Finals championship clash on March 17, broadcast on FS1, as both nations vie for WBC glory.
Italy vs Venezuela: Who will Face Team USA in the WBC Finals?
Venezuela advances to challenge Team USA after a gripping 4-2 semifinal win over Italy in the World Baseball Classic 2026.
Italy, the tournament's lone undefeated squad at 5-0, grabbed a 2-0 lead in the second inning when J.J. D'Orazio drew a bases-loaded walk off Keider Montero, followed by Dante Nori's RBI forceout against Ricardo Sánchez.
Venezuela, boasting a .982 team OPS, mounted a comeback in the seventh with key hits, including contributions from stars like Luis Arraez, to seal the victory and earn the finals berth. Team USA awaits after edging the Dominican Republic 2-1.
Italy vs Venezuela LIVE Scores
The Italy vs Venezuela semifinal unfolded with intense momentum shifts, starting as VEN 0-ITA 2 after Italy's bottom-second rally on walks and a forceout.
Venezuela tied it at 2-2 by the top of the second, per live box scores, before surging to a 4-2 lead in the seventh via timely rallies.
Final highlights showed Venezuela holding on 4-2, with Aaron Nola's strong start undermined by late defensive stands like Maikel Garcia's gem and Jakob Marsee's double play.
World Baseball Classic 2026 Semifinal Highlights
The historic Italian run, characterized by upsets over USA and Puerto Rico, both by a 8-6 score, came to an end against the Venezuelan offense, which beat Japan in the quarters.
Past battles, as seen in the crazy 11-10 contest in 2017, as well as tiebreaker wins for the Venezuelans, only fueled the rivalry, but the 2026 encounter promises a new level of excitement, especially with home runs coming in second only to the Dominican Republic.
LoanDepot park was abuzz with excitement as the Venezuelans' rally pushed them forward, a testament to the international appeal of the tournament.
The USA is set to face off against Venezuela in the finals of the WBC, promising an epic contest replete with star power and patriotism. Fans are looking forward to a record-breaking audience as the championship names the 2026 king of the baseball world on March 17.
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