Eugenio Suárez hit a game-winning RBI double in the ninth inning to lift Venezuela to a 3-2 victory over the United States in the World Baseball Classic final on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. The win marked Venezuela's first WBC championship.[1][2]
Suárez, a 34-year-old Venezuelan third baseman currently with the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball, drove in Javier Sanoja from second base with a 3-2 changeup from U.S. pitcher Garrett Whitlock. Earlier, Bryce Harper hit a home run off Andrés Machado in the eighth inning to tie the score at 2-2.[1][3]
Wilyer Abreu contributed with a solo home run for Venezuela. The U.S. managed only two hits in the game, with limited baserunners until late.[1]
In a post-game interview with FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, Suárez credited his faith for the victory: "I mean, what can I say about this? It’s amazing. God is good, all the glory is for the Lord Jesus. He was with us the whole time." He added, "We have to glorify, put his name in front of everything. Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we [won] the championship today. This is a celebration for all [of Venezuela]."[1]
Suárez pointed skyward after the hit and explained, "I just prayed at the time. I pointed to my family out there – they were happy for me. God is good, man. God is good." He described his teammates as family, emphasizing national pride: "The union – we are together the whole time. We’re not just teammates, we’re all family. This team is awesome – we are family here. That’s why we play with passion, with love because we feel that on our jersey."[1]
The World Baseball Classic, organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), is held every four years and features national teams composed largely of Major League Baseball players. The 2026 edition concluded at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins, which also hosted the 2023 final.[2][4]
Venezuela entered the final after defeating Italy on March 16, 2026, where Suárez hit a solo home run. Previously, Venezuela's best WBC finish was third place in 2017; the U.S. finished as 2023 runners-up to Japan.[3][5]
Sources
- Fox News Digital
Article: "VENEZUELA SHOCKS TEAM USA TO WIN WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC FOR FIRST TIME" (Scott Thompson)
Publication date: March 18, 2026
https://www.foxnews.com/sports - World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC)
Article: "WBSC announces host cities, venues and dates for 2026 World Baseball Classic"
Publication date: 27 February 2024
https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/wbsc-announces-host-cities-venues-dates-2026-world-baseball-classic - MLB.com
Page: Eugenio Suárez Player Profile
Accessed date: current
https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-570248 - Miami Marlins Official Site
Page: loanDepot park
Accessed date: current
https://www.mlb.com/marlins/ballpark - Wikipedia
Page: Venezuela national baseball team
Accessed date: current
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venezuela_national_baseball_team
