Venezuela reached the final of the World Baseball Classic for the first time after a 4-2 comeback victory over Italy in the semifinals on Monday evening.
The victory was secured by a decisive three-run seventh inning, in which Venezeula erased a narrow deficit with a late surge.
According to Sportsnet, the rally started when Ronald Acuña Jr. beat an infield single to bring in a run. Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez followed with RBI hits to increase the lead.
Italy, considered the surprise team of the tournament, had taken an early lead in the second inning.
JJ D’Orazio walked with the bases loaded before Dante Nori added another run with a fielder’s choice.
Italian starting pitcher Aaron Nola allowed only one run over four innings. However, Venezuela’s offense broke through late as the bullpen held firm to protect the lead.
The win advances Venezuela to the final, where it will play the United States in the championship match.
The final is scheduled for Tuesday, with Venezuela aiming to secure its first-ever World Baseball Classic title.
