Venezuela and Italy Advance to WBC Semifinals

In a thrilling quarterfinal match of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Venezuela defeated the defending champions, Japan, 8-5, marking its first semifinal appearance since 2009. The game, held at LoanDepot Park in Miami, featured a dramatic comeback by Venezuela, which initially trailed 5-2 after Japan's Shota Morishita hit a three-run homer in the third inning. However, Venezuela responded with a two-run homer from Maikel Garcia in the fifth, narrowing the gap to 5-4. Wilyer Abreu then delivered a pivotal three-run homer in the sixth, propelling Venezuela to a 7-5 lead, which they extended to 8-5 in the eighth inning. Enmanuel De Jesus earned the win with 2 1/3 scoreless innings, while Daniel Palencia secured the save by retiring Japan's Shohei Ohtani for the final out.

UsNews and World ReportChicago TribuneReutersESPNCBS SportsWBC Wrap: Upsets galore as Italy and Venezuela advanceWorld Baseball Classic Morning Recap: Italy continues its historic run and Venezuela knocks off the defending champion

Italy also made headlines by defeating Puerto Rico 8-6 in the quarterfinals, securing its first-ever semifinal berth in the tournament's history. The match took place at Daikin Park in Houston, where Italy quickly overcame an early deficit after Puerto Rico's Willi Castro hit a leadoff homer. Italy responded with four runs in the first inning, chasing Puerto Rico's starting pitcher Seth Lugo after just one out. J.J. D’Orazio and Andrew Fischer were instrumental in Italy's victory, combining for five RBIs. Despite a late rally from Puerto Rico, which scored four runs in the eighth, Italy's Greg Weissert closed out the game, allowing only one hit in the ninth.

CBC NewsNew York TimesUsNews and World Report4 Takeaways From Italy’s World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal Win Over Puerto RicoWorld Baseball Classic Morning Recap: Italy continues its historic run and Venezuela knocks off the defending championChicago Tribune

Venezuela's manager, Omar López, expressed pride in the team's achievement, stating, "It's the most gratifying feeling you can have as a Venezuelan." Italy's manager, Francisco Cervelli, reflected on the significance of their victory, saying, "This is great. This is one of the best chapters of my life."

Reuters

Venezuela will face Italy in the semifinals on Monday night, with both teams looking to secure a spot in the championship game. This matchup is particularly notable as it features two teams that have never won the WBC title, setting the stage for a historic encounter.

4 Takeaways From Italy’s World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal Win Over Puerto Rico

The 2026 World Baseball Classic has showcased remarkable performances from both Venezuela and Italy, leading to their advancement to the semifinals. With a chance to compete for the championship, both teams are poised to make history in this prestigious tournament.

4 Takeaways From Italy’s World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal Win Over Puerto Rico