Ronald Acuna Jr. will play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) final as Team Venezuela defeated Italy in the The post Ronald Acuna Jr. Ranks Reaching WBC Final with Venezuela as No.1 Moment of His Baseball Career appeared first on FirstSportz.

When Venezuela starter Keider Montero walked consecutive lefty batters in the second inning against Italy, manager Omar López knew he was going to have his work cut out for him in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic on Monday night.

Venezuela outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. reiterated his stance on playing for his country in the World Baseball Classic.

Italy and Venezuela face off in the WBC semifinal for a spot in the championship game against Team USA.

Put on the espresso because Italy is coming! For the first time in tournament history, the azzurri are in the semifinals, its team of espresso-shot-taking, cheek-kissing home run hitters blasting its way to Miami.

Venezuela defeated Italy in the semifinal of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, setting the stage for a contentious final matchup vs. USA.

Both teams got the fireworks going early with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Shohei Ohtani both hitting lead-off home runs in the first inning. Venezuela hit Japan's starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto hard with four extra base hits, but only had a 2-1 lead into the third when Japan scored four runs.

Japan enters the quarterfinals having gone a perfect 4-0 in Pool C in Tokyo. Despite Venezuela's strength, a loss in this round would have to be considered a letdown for the three-time champions, who are hoping to go back-to-back for the first time since winning the first two Classics in 2006 and ‘09.