Eugenio Suarez was the hero as his RBI double in the ninth inning brought home Venezuela’s first ever World Baseball Classic title, as they defeated the heavily-favored United States.

Venezuela joins Team USA, the Dominican Republic and Japan as the fourth winner of a WBC title in the tournament’s history. 

2-0 was the score through eight innings as Venezuela’s scoring runs came from Maikel Garcia in the third, and a Wilyer Abreu home run in the fifth.

In the bottom of the eighth and with the tying run at the plate, the United States’ fate was in the hands of Bryce Harper, who delivered a massive home run to deep center field to tie things up at two. 

However, Venezuela was unfazed. Suarez came to the plate with the go-ahead runner on second, and hit a double to center-field off a changeup from Garrett Whitlock changeup, giving Arepa Power the lead in the ninth. 

With one more shot to tie or take the lead, Daniel Palencia sent the USA home with silver after striking out two and forcing a pop-out.

Eduardo Rodriguez got the start for Venezuela and pitched a little over four innings, allowing no runs and just a single hit.

Nolan McLean started on the mound for the United States, pitching in four innings, while allowing four hits and two runs. 

Venezuela’s performance on the mound was the key factor in their victory against a stacked lineup that included stars such as Harper, Aaron Judge, and Kyle Schwarber just to name a few.

Team USA did not have a runner in scoring position all game, which contributed to their offensive collapse against a team many thought they would easily handle. 

Venezuela had to overcome some adversity to get to this point after losing to the Dominican Republic in pool play and a comeback win over Japan

For now, Venezuelan players will hold onto the WBC title until the next edition of the tournament rolls around in 2029.