MIAMI (AP) – Wilyer Abreu hit a crucial three-run homer, and Maikel Garcia contributed with a two-run shot, leading Venezuela to an 8-5 victory over defending champion Japan in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday night.
This win marks Venezuela’s first advancement to the WBC semifinals since 2009 and secures their place in the six-nation lineup for the upcoming 2028 Olympic baseball tournament, joining the United States and the Dominican Republic.
Upcoming Match Against Italy
Venezuela will compete against unbeaten Italy on Monday, following the U.S. match against the Dominican Republic scheduled for the previous day.
Key Moments of the Game
Abreu’s pivotal homer in the sixth inning off Hiromi Itoh propelled Venezuela to a 7-5 lead, as he launched a 409-foot shot to right field for his first home run of the tournament. Ezequiel Tovar later extended the lead to 8-5 in the eighth inning, starting with a double and scoring due to a throwing error by Atsuki Taneichi during a pickoff attempt.
Ohtani’s Performance
Despite Shohei Ohtani hitting his third home run of the tournament, Japan could not secure a win, ending their 11-game WBC winning streak. Ohtani’s home run came in the first inning, hitting a 427-foot shot to center field after Ronald Acuña Jr. had already homered, driving a fastball 401 feet to right-center.
Japan’s Early Lead
Japan initially led the game 5-2 after a strong third inning, which included a tiebreaking three-run homer from Shota Morishita, who took over for the injured Seiya Suzuki. Veteran pitcher Ranger Suárez, who previously secured a win against the Netherlands, struggled, allowing five runs and two home runs over 2 2/3 innings.
Garcia’s Contribution
Garcia’s two-run homer in the fifth inning brought Venezuela closer, reducing Japan’s lead to 5-4 after an intense at-bat that lasted eight pitches against Chihiro Sumida.
Pitching Highlights
Enmanuel De Jesus secured the victory by pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings, while Daniel Palencia earned the save by inducing Ohtani to pop out for the final out, sealing Japan’s defeat.