Venezuela clinched its first World Baseball Classic title with a 3-2 victory over Team USA, ending a 3-2 loss to Japan three years prior. Luis Arráez's walk and Javier Sanoja's stolen base set the stage for Eugenio Suárez's decisive go-ahead double in the ninth inning. Daniel Palencia's 99.7 mph fastball sealed the win, retiring the Americans in order after a shaky performance from Eduardo Rodriguez and relievers Bazardo, Butto, and Zerpa. Venezuela's path included a dramatic upset of Japan and a win over Italy, while Team USA struggled with a 9-for-56 slump over two games.