Venezuela staged another dramatic comeback Monday night, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Italy 4-2 in the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot park in Miami. The victory propelled Venezuela to its first-ever appearance in the WBC championship game, where it will face Team USA on Tuesday night.

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The game, broadcast on FS1, drew 35,382 fans and showcased the resilience that has defined Venezuela's tournament run. Italy, the surprise story of the Classic after going undefeated in Pool B play, struck first with two runs in the bottom of the second inning. Bases-loaded walks and a fielder's choice plated the runs against starter Keider Montero, who allowed both before exiting after 1 1/3 innings.

Venezuela chipped away in the fourth when Eugenio Suárez launched a solo home run to trim the deficit to 2-1. The bullpen then took over, delivering 7 2/3 scoreless innings to keep Italy off the board. The decisive moment came in the seventh: Ronald Acuña Jr. tied the game with an RBI infield single, and Maikel Garcia followed with a go-ahead RBI single. A three-run outburst turned the momentum decisively.

Reliever Anthony Zerpa earned the win with 0.2 innings of scoreless relief, striking out two. Closer Daniel Palencia sealed it by striking out Sam Antonacci swinging with the bases loaded in the ninth, sending Venezuelan fans into celebration.

Venezuela's path to the final has been marked by clutch performances. The team upset defending champion Japan in the quarterfinals with a similar late rally, showcasing depth in hitting and pitching. Stars like Acuña Jr., Garcia, Suárez and others delivered in high-leverage spots, while the bullpen proved lights-out.

Italy's Cinderella run captivated fans worldwide. Ranked No. 14 entering the tournament, the Azzurri dominated Pool B with a 4-0 record, eliminating Mexico and advancing past expectations. Players like Jac Caglianone, Zach Dezenzo and Andrew Fischer provided power, and the team embodied underdog spirit with gritty play. Though eliminated, Italy's performance boosted baseball's profile in Europe and earned widespread praise.

The semifinal unfolded at loanDepot park, which hosted Pool D games and knockout rounds. Venezuela topped Pool D with a 3-1 record behind the Dominican Republic, while Italy's perfect Pool B showing set up the intriguing matchup.

Key stats from the box score: Venezuela collected 8 hits to Italy's 5, with no errors on either side. Italy left 8 runners on base compared to Venezuela's 6. The game featured tense moments, including Italy's early lead and Venezuela's late surge.

Postgame, Venezuelan players expressed pride in reaching the final. Acuña Jr. highlighted team unity, while manager emphasized resilience. Italy's squad reflected on the journey, with many noting the experience as a foundation for future growth.

The 2026 WBC final pits Venezuela against the United States on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, also at loanDepot park and televised on FOX. Team USA advanced Sunday with a win over the Dominican Republic. The matchup promises star power, with Venezuela seeking its first title and the U.S. aiming to reclaim glory.

Venezuela's run has energized fans in Miami and beyond, with large crowds supporting the team throughout. The victory over Italy capped a tournament of comebacks and highlights, setting the stage for a championship showdown.

As the Classic concludes, attention turns to the final: two powerhouses vying for global supremacy in baseball's premier international event.