Venezuela defeated Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinal at LoanDepot Park in Miami, rallying in the seventh inning to advance to the final against the United States. Italy's surprising run ends in its first-ever semifinal appearance.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinal between Venezuela and Italy took place on March 16 at LoanDepot Park in Miami, determining the second finalist alongside the United States, who earlier beat the Dominican Republic 2-1 amid controversy.
Venezuela (4-1 entering the game) had upset Japan 8-5 in the quarterfinals, while undefeated Italy (5-0 entering) had defeated Puerto Rico 8-6. Venezuela held a strong 5-0 historical edge in Classic matchups against Italy.
Keider Montero started for Venezuela, with Michael Lorenzen pitching for Italy. Italy took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a bases-loaded walk to D’Orazio. Venezuela tied it in the fourth on Eugenio Suárez's solo home run.
The turning point came in the top of the seventh: Gleyber Torres walked, pinch-runner Andrés Giménez advanced, and singles by Luis Arraez, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Maikel García drove in key runs for a lead Venezuela never relinquished. The final score secured Venezuela's spot in Tuesday's championship and qualified Venezuelan baseball for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics for the first time.
