Venezuela downs United States 3-2 in WBC Championship

Venezuela held of Team USA's last second push

MIAMI, Fla. (KYMA) - The World Baseball Classic championship came down to the final inning, as Venezuela edged the United States 3–2 to capture its first title in tournament history.

Venezuela controlled much of the game early, building a 2–0 lead and holding the United States scoreless into the eighth inning behind a strong pitching performance.

With time running out, the U.S. finally broke through. Bryce Harper delivered a clutch two-run home run in the eighth inning to tie the game and swing momentum in favor of the Americans.

But the tie would not last long.

In the top of the ninth, Eugenio Suárez came through with the decisive moment, ripping an RBI double that scored Javier Sanoja and gave Venezuela the 3–2 lead.

Venezuela reliever Daniel Palencia then shut the door, retiring the side in order in the bottom of the ninth to secure the championship.

The victory marks Venezuela’s first World Baseball Classic title, while the United States finished runner-up for the second consecutive tournament.