The 2026 World Baseball Classic has been nothing shy of spectacular. Memorable moments, elite lineups, and absurd storylines made up the entirety of the past two weeks for the WBC. The United States has not looked like the team that everyone imagined it could be, as the offensive struggles continue to be at the forefront of the story. Meanwhile, Venezuela shocked everyone by dethroning the previous winners in Japan, and ended a Cinderella story for Team Italy.
The Dominican Republic was an absolute juggernaut of a team, with a lineup that featured superstars in every position. The only problem the team faced was a man named Paul Skenes from the United States. Skenes allowed just one run off a solo home run by Junior Caminero as he was brilliant during his nearly five innings of work. Though Skenes and the United States bullpen allowed just a single run all game, the contest was still a nail-biter as America scored two runs in the fourth inning.
Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony both homered, and while the offense threatened at times, these two runs were all that was needed for a victory. The game was filled with nonstop action and an atmosphere that was second to none in Miami. Every plate appearance felt like a crucial moment in the game, and when a team was backed against the wall, it managed to escape the jam. The United States looks to capture its second WBC Championship against a team from Venezuela with a lot of swagger and talent to back it.
It would have taken a lot to go right for Italy to propel itself into the finals of the WBC. Venezuela was down early, but once Italian starter Aaron Nola was removed from the game, Venezuela began to showcase its talent. With two outs in the inning, Venezuela collected four straight singles to score three runs in a massive seventh inning that turned the tide of the game once and for all.
The bullpen for Venezuela was lights out after starter Kieder Montero allowed two runs in just an inning and a third of work. A masterclass of relief pitching held a pesky Italian lineup to three hits as Italy never truly threatened after falling behind. Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia slammed the door with two strikeouts in the final frame as Venezuela clinched a spot in the WBC finals, a position it has never reached before.
For the United States to prove to the world that this team is capable of winning it all, the offense needs to come alive like everyone knows it can. Bryce Harper, Cal Raleigh, and Alex Bregman have all been offensive disappointments, and with Nolan McLean starting for Team USA, there remains a certain unsettledness. McLean is a promising pitching prospect for the New York Mets with a devious breaking ball, but was tagged in his last outing against Team Italy. Regardless of how the pitching may perform, the offense has one last chance to prove it is as volatile and fearsome as its reputation proceeds.
Venezuela is clicking and playing with a certain swagger currently. Ronald Acuna Jr., Maikel Garcia, Luis Arraez, and Ezequiel Tovar are all performing exceptionally under the biggest stage. The atmosphere will be electric on Tuesday night, as most fans will be cheering on Venezuela. The team is on a mission to prove why some of the league’s best players are proud to wear their country’s colors across their chests, as they try to capture a championship.
Regardless of the outcome, the finals of this year’s WBC will be fantastic. The United States team is still trying to get over the hump offensively, and the entire world knows how potent the lineup can be when the team is clicking. Venezuela does have a fair amount of superstars on its roster, though it is fair to say Venezuela is the underdog heading into this contest. After an Olympic performance that will never be forgotten for the men’s USA hockey team, Team USA will look to carry the torch in the World Baseball Classic.
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