Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu delivered a pivotal three-run homer for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals against Japan. The blast in Miami propelled Venezuela to victory and a semifinal spot against Italy. Red Sox manager Alex Cora lauded the performance from Fort Myers.
In Fort Myers, Florida, Red Sox manager Alex Cora discussed standout contributions from two of his players during the World Baseball Classic. Abreu, a 26-year-old outfielder from Maracaibo, Venezuela, stepped up in the top of the sixth inning of the quarterfinals in Miami. With Venezuela trailing defending champions Japan by one run, Abreu hit a 409-foot home run on a high fastball, giving his team the lead they held onto for the win and advancement to face Italy on Monday. Abreu is batting .294 (5-for-17) with six RBIs and three walks over five tournament games. Cora, who caught the moment as notifications flooded his phone, called it “a great swing” and “electric,” noting Abreu's strong left-field play and the jubilant reaction. He highlighted the vibrant atmosphere in Miami, packed with Venezuelan fans creating a unified, festival-like energy with horns, drums, and chants. “There’s 45,000 Venezuelans there,” Cora said. “It’s different when you play that tournament.” Cora expressed happiness for Venezuela manager Omar López amid past criticism and praised the tournament's emotional intensity, including bat flips, contrasting baseball's traditional calm. He anticipated more excitement in upcoming semifinals, including Dominican Republic versus USA. On pitcher Brayan Bello, who rejoined camp after representing the Dominican Republic, Cora noted his improved form. Bello pitched five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts against Atlanta. “He was different to be honest with you,” Cora said, crediting exposure to top talent and national pride. Bello plans to return for his team's semifinal against USA on Sunday.
