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Venezuela rallies past Italy to reach WBC final

PUBLISHED Mar 16, 2026, 4:12 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Left 13%

Center 87%

Sources: 8

MIAMI — Venezuela rallied past Italy 4-2 on Monday to reach the World Baseball Classic final, overcoming a seventh-inning deficit with consecutive two-out RBI singles by Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel García and Luis Arraez. Aaron Nola started for Italy and allowed four innings of scoring before Venezuela’s rally. Italy manager Francisco Cervelli replaced Michael Lorenzen with Nola shortly before the team arrived at loanDepot Park. Keider Montero started for Venezuela. Venezuela will play the United States in Tuesday’s upcoming final at loanDepot Park. Venezuela reached its first WBC final in six editions; Italy advanced to the semifinals after upending Puerto Rico. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Aggregated From:

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer FOX Sports

Timeline of Events

March 11: Aaron Nola won for Italy in pool play, allowing four hits across five scoreless innings.
Shortly before Monday’s semifinal: Italy manager Francisco Cervelli named Aaron Nola the starter instead of Michael Lorenzen.
Monday (semifinal): Ronald Acuña Jr. produced an infield single to tie the game in the seventh.
Monday (semifinal): Maikel García delivered the go-ahead RBI and Luis Arraez added an insurance run; Venezuela won 4-2.
Tuesday (upcoming): Venezuela will face the United States in the WBC championship game at loanDepot Park.

News Intelligence

If you're a baseball fan, this is a historic moment. Venezuela is in its first WBC final ever. They've shown grit and determination. It's a chance to see rising stars like Acuña Jr., García, and Arraez in action. Tune in Tuesday.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 7

Who Benefited

Venezuela’s national team, its players, and associated broadcasters benefited from increased international exposure, stronger ticket demand, and enhanced commercial opportunities following their semifinal victory.

Who Impacted

Italy’s team, its players, and the Italian Baseball Federation suffered competitive and reputational setbacks when their tournament run ended with the semifinal loss to Venezuela.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 7
Distribution:: Left 13%, Center 88%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Italy’s team, its players, and the Italian Baseball Federation suffered competitive and reputational setbacks when their tournament run ended with the semifinal loss to Venezuela.