World Classic 2026: Keys to Venezuela’s victory over Italy

Venezuela reaches its first World Baseball Classic final 20 years later with a 4-2 victory over Italy

Venezuela broke the enchantment Italy and eliminated them from the World Baseball Classic with a 4-2 victory. After climbing Everest defeating Mexico, USA and Puerto Rico until they reached the semifinals undefeated, they ended up without the expected happy ending. Everything happened so quickly, fleetingly, that Italians still wonder what happened and how it was possible.

The troop of Omar Lopez It was inspired by the more than 30 thousand fans who chanted at the top of their lungs the “yes we can” that in the end it was possible. And now they will have to live the experience of being in a final of World Baseball Classic20 years since its debut.

Acuña Jr., fast and furious

When Venezuela had the noose around its neck and seemed to be drowning in the Italian arms with Aaron Nola intractable and Michael Lorenzen trying to relive what he did to the United States in the group stage, the fateful seventh inning appeared for the Europeans and the great South American awakening.

With two out, Andres Gimenez was running at third and Jackson Chourio at first. Acuña Jr. hit a deep ground ball to the shortstop and ran as if there were no tomorrow, his teammates told him: “Run Acuña, run” and as if emulating Forrest Gump, Acuña beat the ball, remaining ‘safe’, tying the game and opening a crack that did not exist. It was the beginning of the end for the combative Italians.

Clutch hitting

If Venezuela has shown anything in decisive matches, it is their timely hitting at critical moments. Against Japan the homers of Maikel Garcia, Acuña and Abreu appeared. Tonight they needed the long stick of Eugenio Suárez in the fourth inning to keep them 2-1 in the game and then, when the situation required hits, García and Luis Arráez drove in the winning runs and peace of mind.

Pitching, the main luxury

Beyond hitting, pitching is what has Venezuela in the final of the World Classic. After their starter Keider Montero walked and ended up allowing two runs, his relief was impeccable. For 7.2 innings they shut out the Italians, a rebellious lineup that had been characterized by hitting any pitch, including that of the Puerto Ricans, Mexicans and Americans. The icing on the cake was provided by Daniel Palencia, who with his 100-mile lashes made the Italians dance joropo (typical Venezuelan dance).