Venezuela stuns Italy 4-2 in thrilling World Baseball Classic semifinal, clinching first-ever final berth. Ronald Acuña Jr.'s electrifying 90-foot dash after an infield single ignited raucous celebrations as thousands of Venezuelan fans filled LoanDepot Park. Maikel Garcia's RBI single and Luis Arraez's clutch double sealed the victory, with Gleyber Torres' leadoff walk and Andres Gimenez's pinch-run sparking the go-ahead rally in the seventh.

Venezuela's historic run culminates against USA in the title game, fueled by manager Francisco Cervelli's bold tactical shift to Aaron Nola, who stifled the lineup for eight innings.