Venezuela is off to the World Baseball Classic final for the first time, ending Italy’s Cinderella run with a 4-2 win in the second WBC semifinal Monday at LoanDepot Park.
The Venezuelans trailed early but mounted a three-run comeback in the seventh inning, led by RBI hits from Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez, to pull ahead for good.
Venezuela will face Team USA in the championship game Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. Veteran left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez will start for the Venezuelans against Team USA youngster Nolan McLean.