Venezuela Upsets USA 3-2 for First World Baseball Classic Championship

Team Venezuela is the 2026 World Baseball Classic champion.

Venezuela struck first in the top of the third. After McLean gave up a single to Salvador Perez and a walk to Ronald Acuna Jr., a wild pitch allowed the runners to advance into scoring position. Maikel Garcia then took advantage and hit a sacrifice fly to center field that drove in a run and made it a 1-0 lead for Venezuela.

Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

McLean started the fifth for the United States...