How did Venezuela beat Japan?

Venezuela stuns defending champions with big sixth inning

Venezuela upset 2023 champion Japan 8-5 in a quarterfinal that swung decisively in the middle innings. Trailing earlier, the Venezuelans mounted a comeback highlighted by a game-changing, go-ahead three-run home run in the sixth inning that flipped momentum and ultimately decided the game.

That homer — the biggest swing of the night — followed earlier power from Venezuela’s lineup. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Maikel García supplied run-producing hits that kept Venezuela in the fight, and the collective offense produced enough runs to outpace a Japanese attack that included a homer from Shohei Ohtani. Venezuela’s bullpen then held the lead, turning a robust team hitting performance into a full elimination upset.

Key points

• Big swing: A three-run blast in the sixth provided the decisive blow and sent Japan on the defensive.
• Balance: Multiple Venezuelan hitters contributed; the team combined its power with timely situational hitting to manufacture runs.
• Closing it out: Venezuela’s pitching staff kept Japan from mounting a late, game-tying rally.

Why it matters

Japan’s defeat eliminates the defending champion and guarantees a new titleholder for this edition of the World Baseball Classic. For Venezuela, the win provides a signature postseason moment and sets up a semifinal matchup against Italy. The victory also highlights Venezuela’s depth: this was not a one-player effort but a lineup and bullpen combining to topple one of the tournament favorites.

What remains uncertain

Specific bullpen usage plans for Venezuela in the semifinal and starting pitching decisions for both semifinalists have not been finalized publicly. Those choices will shape how the next round plays out.