Surprise: Japan eliminated by Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic

On Friday at the World Baseball Classic, the Dominican Republic defeated South Korea and the United States defeated Canada. There were no major surprises, aside from the fact that the Canadians put up a better fight than expected. But the question was whether logic would prevail on Saturday as well. Italy faced off against Puerto Rico, and Japan took on Venezuela. While many people expected Puerto Rico to go far (in the 2010 editions, the Puerto Ricans had reached the final), the team collapsed in the quarterfinals against the Italians. They're really becoming a major Cinderella story. After beating the United States in the group stage, this victory is huge for the country.

The Italians won 8-6. A big four-run inning in the first set the tone, and a late rally by the Puerto Ricans didn't change anything. It was a good show.

THE CINDERELLA STORY CONTINUES FOR ITALY pic.twitter.com/1dunH7hhTh — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 14, 2026

The path is potentially opening up for the Italians, as Italy was waiting to see whether Japan or Venezuela would win to become the team's next opponent.

And to everyone's surprise, the Japanese pulled it off 8-5. Of course, no one is saying the Italians will easily beat Venezuela. But we can all agree that seeing the defending champions lose in the quarterfinals is a surprise.

The U.S. loss to Italy in the group stage and Japan's loss yesterday are two huge surprises in the tournament.

But anyway. All that to say that Venezuela played excellently during the game. Right from the start, Ronald Acuna Jr. hit a home run off Yoshinobu Yamamoto, setting the tone.

Despite Japan taking the lead (a four-run inning in the third helps), Venezuela regained the lead with a spectacular three-run homer by Wilyer Abreu. Rumor has it his club is still celebrating that homer—and that superb bat flip.

A bat flip you might be seeing for a long time pic.twitter.com/J0eisbDFyF— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 15, 2026

Shohei Ohtani may have driven in a run during the game, but in the late innings (when his team needed him most), he failed to make a difference for the Japanese.

Tonight at 8 p.m., the Dominican Republic and the United States will face off in the first semifinal. On Monday, Italy and Venezuela will do the same (also at 8 p.m.) to qualify for the final, which will take place on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

THE FINAL FOUR IN THE 2026 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC HAS BEEN SET! pic.twitter.com/EArLeS8rma — FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 15, 2026

PMLB

That's funny.

Handshake Gate has spread to Savannah Bananas games pic.twitter.com/OgoEhxBqhB — Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) March 15, 2026

2028 Olympics: Venezuela has qualified.

2028 Olympic baseball 6-team field at Dodger Stadium United States Dominican Republic Venezuela TBD (Asia) TBD (Europe or Oceania) TBD (Final Qualification Event) — Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) March 15, 2026

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