Venezuela secures their first World Baseball Classic title, a victory that far surpasses baseball.
This game followed politically charged tensions regarding US-Venezuela relations. In the January raid “Operation Absolute Resolve,” the US government captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores following orders from President Trump.
The two captives were taken by helicopter to a U.S. warship preceding their transfer to New York City where he was indicted on drug trafficking and weapon charges.
This event struck controversy amongst citizens with a mix of joyous and hopeful celebration and anxiety over the nation’s future. Trump declared that the U.S. would manage a transition of power in Venezuela – reassuring citizens in both Venezuela and the U.S.
Preceding the World Baseball Classic game, U.S. President Donald Trump stoked tensions with a social media post by congratulating Venezuela for making it to the final while also suggesting the country could become the 51st U.S. state.
Venezuela dominated the USA lineup for long periods, pitcher Eduardo Reodriguez restrained the USA bats. The team took the lead in the third inning when U.S. starter Nolan McLean threw a wild pitch, advancing both runners to second and third base, ultimately allowing Perez to score the first home run.
Wilyer Abreu obtained Venezuela’s following point after delivering a 96-mph fastball into the center of the strike zone for a solo home run.
The USA made a short-lived comeback from Harper’s 432-foot home run to center field in the eighth inning, resulting in a score change to 2-2. Soon after, Venezuela grabbed the lead again when Luis Arraez drew a leadoff walk.
That hit brought in the run that finalized Venezuela’s victory, sparking celebrations world-wide. In Caracas, thousands sang the Venezuelan anthem in the Plaza de la Juventud to the tune of honking horns late into the night.
In the article Venezuela win first World Baseball Classic title after taming USA in politically fraught final, an interviewed high school student states, “I’m overjoyed. It’s too much for me! The United States is a superpower, and the fact that we beat them makes me very proud of Venezuela.”
Outfielder Ronal Acuna reiterates in tears, “My country needs that championship. I just want to make my people proud. That’s what I did today.”