Venezuela Stuns Italy, Advances to Face Team USA in WBC Final

Venezuela defeated Italy 4-2 in a dramatic World Baseball Classic semifinal, advancing to face Team USA for the title.

Italy entered the game unbeaten at 4-0 after stunning wins over the U.S. and Mexico. They took a 2-0 lead in the second inning on a walk and fielder’s choice, holding off Venezuela until the fourth.

Eugenio Suárez cut the deficit with a solo home run in the fourth. The decisive moment came in the seventh, when Venezuela rallied with two outs.

Ronald Acuña Jr. tied the game with an infield single, then Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez delivered back-to-back hits, driving in two runs to make it 4-2.

Daniel Palencia closed the game with two strikeouts in the ninth. Italy's historic run ends despite viral fame from its dugout espresso machine and eclectic roster.

The final between Venezuela and Team USA will be played at loanDepot park in Miami at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, broadcast on FOX.