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 at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 17, 2026.[1][2]

Suárez, a 34-year-old third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks born in Valencia, Zulia, Venezuela, shared his faith in a post-game interview with FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal. "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.[1]

Wilyer Abreu added a solo home run for Venezuela. The U.S. managed two hits before Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman, hit a two-out home run in the eighth off Andrés Machado to tie the score at 2-2.[1][3]

In the ninth, Javier Sanoja stole second base before Suárez drove a 3-2 changeup from Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Whitlock to left-center for the decisive run. Suárez pointed to the sky from second base, later saying he prayed and acknowledged his family.[1]

The win marked Venezuela's first WBC title, surpassing their previous best finish of quarterfinals in 2023.[2][4] The tournament, sanctioned by MLB and the World Baseball Softball Confederation, featured 20 teams in a format with four pools followed by a super round, semifinals and final at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins with a capacity of 36,742.[2][5]

The night before, on March 16, Suárez hit a solo home run as Venezuela defeated Italy.[1] Players described the team as family, playing with passion for their country.

"Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we won the championship today. This is a celebration for all of Venezuela," Suárez said. "We have to glorify, put his name in front of everything."[1]

Following the WBC, players returned to their Major League Baseball clubs for the start of the regular season later in March.[2]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital, Sports Coverage, accessed October 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/sports
2. MLB.com, Eugenio Suárez Player Page, ongoing, https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-570078
3. Baseball-Reference.com, Eugenio Suárez, accessed October 2024, https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suareeu01.shtml
4. WorldBaseballClassic.com, Schedule & Results, announced 2024, https://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/
5. MLB.com Miami Marlins, loanDepot park, ongoing, https://www.mlb.com/marlins/ballpark