BASEBALL: Venezuela ready for US challenge in World Baseball Classic final

Venezuela’s baseball team is gearing up for Tuesday’s World Baseball Classic final against the United States, showing respect for the star-studded American lineup but making it clear they have no plans of backing down. The Venezuelan squad reached the championship game after a thrilling comeback win over Italy in Monday’s semifinal.

Venezuela, who stunned defending champions Japan in the quarterfinals, overcame Italy thanks to a two-out, three-run seventh inning, securing a 4-2 victory in front of a cheering pro-Venezuela crowd in Miami.

Slugger Eugenio Suárez, who hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to put Venezuela on the scoreboard, reflected on the team’s journey. “At the start of this tournament, many people didn’t believe in us. But now we are here, going to the final for the first time. We have to do it for our country,” he said.

Acknowledging the strength of the U.S. team, Suárez added: “It won’t be easy. They have been playing excellent baseball, and they are full of superstars. But we came to win, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

Maikel García, who grew up in Venezuela and plays for the Kansas City Royals, delivered the go-ahead single against Italy. He described playing in front of Venezuela fans as “a dream come true.” “I’ve never played in a place like this,” he said. “We want to bring the championship home. Venezuela is a baseball country, and we have to show everyone we have a strong team.”

García believes that participating in the WBC will help him perform better when the MLB season starts later this month. “The big leagues are different from this,” he said. “This experience is amazing and will help me play better in the major leagues.”

Venezuela will face the United States at loanDepot Park in Miami in the final, seeking its first championship, while the U.S. aims for its second WBC title. -Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters