Source: Fox News
Summary
The United States team won silver medals in the 2026 World Baseball Classic after losing to Venezuela, 3-2, in the final game on Tuesday in Miami. Several players, including Mason Miller, Kyle Schwarber, Logan Webb, and Garrett Whitlock, were seen removing their medals shortly after receiving them from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Eduardo Rodriguez, the Venezuelan left-hander, had a strong start, and Eugenio Suarez hit a go-ahead double in the top of the ninth inning. Daniel Palencia closed out the game for Venezuela, striking out the final three batters to secure the win.
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The game followed a familiar script.
Team USA’s offense struggled until the late innings, and Venezuela’s pitching held strong. Bryce Harper’s two-run homer in the eighth inning tied the game, but the U.S. couldn’t sustain the momentum. Venezuela’s bullpen shut the door in the ninth, with Daniel Palencia striking out the side to seal the win.
This one felt recognizable early, with the U.S. struggling to get going and Venezuela’s pitching dominating. The outcome wasn’t surprising by the end, as Venezuela’s bullpen proved too much for Team USA.
The result wasn’t surprising by the end, as Venezuela’s pitching and defense were too much for the U.S. team.
This is the third time in the World Baseball Classic that the U.S. has lost in the title game, and it’s hard to shake the feeling that they still haven’t figured it out.
Author: Evan Null
