March 16: A battle-tested Venezuela squad reaches the World Baseball Classic final after rallying to defeat Italy in a thrilling seventh inning. Slugger Eugenio Suarez and Maikel Garcia, who grew up in Venezuela and plays for the Kansas City Royals, lead the team. Venezuela is seeking its first championship, while the U.S. aims for its second. The final will be held at loanDepot Park in Miami.
In the beginning of this competition, a lot of people didn't believe in our team. But now we're here, going for our first time to the final, said Suarez. We have to do it for our country.
We have to show them we have a great team, added Maikel Garcia, who delivered the go-ahead single in the semi-final.