Eugenio Suárez hit a game-winning RBI double in the ninth inning to lift Venezuela to a 3-2 victory over the United States in the World Baseball Classic final at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 17, 2026.
Suárez, a 33-year-old third baseman for Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks[1], delivered the hit off a 3-2 changeup from Garrett Whitlock after Javier Sanoja stole second base. Suárez pointed to the sky from second base before crediting his faith in a post-game interview with FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
"I mean, what can I say about this? It’s amazing. God is good, all the glory is for the Lord Jesus. He was with us the whole time," Suárez said. "I just prayed at the time. God is good, man. God is good."
Wilyer Abreu hit a solo home run earlier to help extend Venezuela's lead. The U.S. tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth when Bryce Harper homered off Andrés Machado.
The victory marked Venezuela's first WBC title. The nation has competed in every edition since 2006, with previous best finishes of fifth place in 2006 and 2009[2].
loanDepot park, home of MLB's Miami Marlins, has hosted WBC pool games in prior tournaments, including 2023[3].
Suárez added: "We have to glorify, put his name in front of everything. Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we won the championship today. This is a celebration for all of Venezuela. The union – we are together the whole time. We’re not just teammates, we’re all family."
- Key moments:
- Abreu solo HR gives Venezuela lead
- Harper solo HR ties game 2-2 in 8th
- Suárez RBI double wins it in 9th
Venezuela players will return to their MLB clubs as the 2026 season begins later in March[1].
Sources
- MLB.com
Eugenio Suárez Stats, Fantasy & News
Accessed October 2024
https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-608032 - Wikipedia
World Baseball Classic
Accessed October 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Baseball_Classic - Wikipedia
loanDepot park
Accessed October 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoanDepot_park - MLB.com
2026 World Baseball Classic pools, format and dates announced
September 28, 2023
https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-2026-pools-format-dates-announced - WBSC.org
World Baseball Classic
Accessed October 2024
https://www.wbsc.org/en/world-baseball-classic
