Eugenio Suárez hit an RBI double in the top of the ninth inning to score Javier Sanoja from second base, giving Venezuela a 3-2 victory over the United States in the World Baseball Classic final on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida.[1][2]

Wilyer Abreu hit a solo home run for Venezuela earlier in the game to extend its lead. Bryce Harper hit a two-out home run in the bottom of the eighth off Andrés Machado to tie the score at 2-2. Sanoja stole second in the ninth before Suárez drove a 3-2 changeup from Garrett Whitlock to left-center field.[1][3]

The victory marked Venezuela's first WBC title. The tournament, co-organized by Major League Baseball and the World Baseball Softball Confederation, featured 20 national teams competing from March 5 to 22, 2026, with the final hosted at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins.[4][5]

In the semifinal on March 16, 2026, Suárez hit a solo home run against Italy at the same venue.[1][2]

Following the game, Suárez spoke to FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal about his emotions and pointed skyward after the hit. "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," Suárez said. "I just prayed at the time. God is good, man. God is good."[3]

Suárez 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]. 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. We feel our country on the front of us."[3]

Suárez, a 34-year-old third baseman from Venezuela who plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball, has represented his country in prior WBC tournaments.[5]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital - Venezuela shocks Team USA to win World Baseball Classic for first time - March 18, 2026 - https://www.foxnews.com/sports/venezuela-shocks-team-usa-wbc-final
2. FOX Sports - Venezuela defeats U.S. in WBC final on Suárez RBI double - March 17, 2026 - https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/world-baseball-classic-final-recap-2026
3. FOX Sports - Post-game interview: Eugenio Suárez with Ken Rosenthal - March 17, 2026 - https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/eugenio-suarez-wbc-interview-rosenthal
4. World Baseball Classic official site - 2026 WBC Final: Venezuela vs United States match report - March 17, 2026 - https://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/schedule/2026/final
5. MLB.com - Eugenio Suárez player profile - Accessed March 2026 - https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-570248