Venezuela overcame an early 2-1 deficit to defeat Italy 4-2 in the World Baseball Classic semifinals on Monday night, advancing to the finals for the first time in tournament history after previously eliminating Japan. A three-run seventh inning sparked by Ronald Acuña Jr. proved decisive, setting up a championship matchup against Team USA on Tuesday.
In Miami, Venezuela trailed Italy 2-1 through six innings. Italy's starters Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen held the Venezuelan offense in check, allowing only a solo home run by Eugenio Suárez. Italy's two runs came in the third inning, charged to Venezuela starter Keider Montero after three straight walks following consecutive walks to lefty batters in the second. Montero recorded just four outs before exiting, prompting manager Omar López to remark, “That was a red flag to me.” López orchestrated a stellar bullpen effort from Ricardo Sánchez, Luinder Avila, Angel Zerpa, Eduard Bazardo, Andrés Machado, and Daniel Palencia, who combined for 7 ⅔ scoreless innings with three hits allowed. Sánchez was pulled after 23 pitches and 1 ⅔ scoreless innings to preserve him under WBC rest rules, as López noted: “Ricardo was pitching very well, but he has 23 pitches. If he goes to 30, he won't be able to pitch tomorrow, and I want him available for tomorrow.” The seventh inning turned the game: Gleyber Torres walked, Jackson Chourio singled, and Acuña beat out an infield single for the tying run. Maikel Garcia singled for the lead, followed by Luis Arraez's RBI single, making it 4-2. Acuña reflected postgame: “I am very happy with everything that happened to me, including the injuries. I'm more mature as a person, I'm more mature as a player.” Venezuela now faces Team USA in Tuesday's final, with Eduardo Rodríguez starting despite recent struggles. Team USA holds a pitching rest advantage due to tournament rules.
