UPDATE: In a thrilling upset, Venezuela has eliminated defending champions Japan with an 8-5 victory in the World Baseball Classic on March 18, 2023. This dramatic win propels Venezuela into the semifinals for the first time since 2009, securing a coveted spot in the 2028 Olympic baseball tournament alongside the United States and the Dominican Republic.
The game, held in Miami, showcased a stunning comeback led by Wilyer Abreu, who crushed a pivotal three-run homer in the sixth inning, while Maikel Garcia ignited the rally with a two-run shot. Venezuela now faces unbeaten Italy on Monday, March 20, 2023, following a high-stakes matchup between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.
Venezuela’s victory marked a significant turning point, ending Japan’s impressive 11-game WBC winning streak. Shohei Ohtani, the 2023 WBC MVP, opened the scoring for Japan with a towering homer in the first inning, but it was not enough to secure their advancement.
Abreu’s decisive homer came off pitcher Hiromi Itoh, driving a 409-foot shot to right field, putting Venezuela ahead 7-5. Ezequiel Tovar extended the lead to 8-5 in the eighth, scoring after a throwing error by Japan’s Atsuki Taneichi.
Japan initially held a strong position, leading 5-2 after a four-run third inning, highlighted by a three-run blast from Shota Morishita, who stepped in for the injured Seiya Suzuki. Despite this, Venezuela rallied back, with Garcia’s home run in the fifth inning bringing the score to 5-4.
Enmanuel De Jesus secured the win, pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings, while Daniel Palencia closed the game, forcing Ohtani to pop out for the final out.
As Venezuela celebrates this monumental victory, fans eagerly await their upcoming clash with Italy. With the stakes higher than ever, the world will be watching as the drama of the World Baseball Classic unfolds.