WBC 2026: Venezuela's Bullpen Shuts Down Italy 4-2; First-Ever Final Berth
Venezuela advanced to its first-ever World Baseball Classic final with a 4-2 win over Italy on Monday night, March 16, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami. Manager Omar López had his work cut out for him when starter Keider Montero walked two consecutive left-handed batters in the second inning—López called it a "red flag"—and by the end of the inning Montero was out of the game after recording only four outs. All of Italy's runs were charged to Montero; from there, a parade of six relievers—Ricardo Sánchez, Luinder Avila, Angel Zerpa, Eduard Bazardo, Andrés Machado, and closer Daniel Palencia—held Italy scoreless over the rest of the night. Eugenio Suárez's solo homer in the fourth cut Italy's lead to 2-1, and Venezuela broke through with a three-run seventh to take a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish. A sold-out crowd of 35,382 at loanDepot Park, heavily favoring Venezuela, waved flags and chanted throughout. Venezuela will face Team USA in the championship game Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET (FOX).
López managed with an eye on the final. Even though his team was trailing early and Ricardo Sánchez was dealing (1 2/3 scoreless innings, one walk, no hits), he pulled Sánchez after six batters. The reason: WBC rules prevent a reliever from pitching on zero days' rest if he throws at least 30 pitches in an outing. Sánchez had 23; one more batter could have pushed him over and made him unavailable for Tuesday. López told pitching coach Johan Santana he wanted Sánchez available for the final. Of all the relievers used Monday, only Avila reached the 30-pitch threshold that rules him out for Tuesday. Relievers who did not pitch at all—Jhonathan Díaz, Anthony Molina, Emmanuel De Jesus, José Alvarez, José Buttó, and Antonio Senzatela—give López options in the final, though Eduardo Rodríguez will get the start against the Americans. López said quality relief has been a hallmark of Venezuela's deepest WBC run ever: "We count on these players." He will count on them again Tuesday; a vintage start from E-Rod would be welcome after the bullpen-heavy semifinal.
How the game unfolded
Italy took a 2-0 lead in the second inning against Montero before López went to the pen. Venezuela got one back in the fourth on Eugenio Suárez's solo home run. The game turned in the seventh: Venezuela pushed across three runs to take a 4-2 lead. The bullpen did the rest. Angel Zerpa earned the win; Daniel Palencia recorded the save. Venezuela outhit Italy 8-5; the formula—short start, long relief—was exhausting but effective. López acknowledged that Venezuela enters the final in a "sub-optimal" setup compared to Team USA, which had an off day and a rested bullpen after beating the Dominican Republic 2-1 on Sunday. Venezuela is seeking its first WBC title and a measure of redemption after losing to the USA in the quarterfinals in 2023.
Names to watch for AthX
Venezuela: Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves), Luis Arraez (Giants), Salvador Pérez (Royals), Eugenio Suárez (Reds), Jackson Chourio (Brewers), Maikel Garcia (Royals), Gleyber Torres (Tigers), Eduardo Rodríguez (D-backs), Daniel Palencia. Italy: Vinnie Pasquantino (Royals), Aaron Nola (Phillies), Sam Aldegheri, Kyle Teel (Red Sox). WBC performance does not affect dynamic pricing—AthX prices are driven by MLB performance—but Venezuela's run to the final keeps these names in the spotlight.
What It Means for AthX
WBC results do not affect dynamic pricing; AthX share prices are based on MLB performance. Venezuela's first-ever final is a historic moment; use the marketplace to see how these players are valued heading into Opening Day.
*Sources: MLB.com – Venezuela finds right pitching formula in semis, but final test looms large; ESPN – Venezuela 4-2 Italy box score and takeaways; CBS Sports – Venezuela storms back vs. Italy, sets up finale vs. Team USA. Fact-checked March 16, 2026.*