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03/17 13:46 CDT Expect a festive WBC final crowd as the US plays Venezuela at
an uncomfortable political moment
Expect a festive WBC final crowd as the US plays Venezuela at an uncomfortable
political moment
By RONALD BLUM
AP Baseball Writer
MIAMI (AP) --- After nearly getting eliminated in the group stage last week,
the United States plays Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic championship
on Tuesday night in a game with political overtones.
Aaron Judge, Roman Anthony and Kyle Schwarber lead a U.S. lineup seeking to win
the Americans' second title and first title since 2017.
"Putting U.S. on your chest and going out there and competing obviously means
the world," said Nolan McLean, a 24-year-old rookie pitcher who starts for the
U.S. against Eduardo Rodrguez.
Venezuela, headed by All-Stars Ronald Acua Jr., Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez,
seeks it first championship in the sixth edition of an event that launched in
2006. Miami and its suburbs have a large Venezuelan population, and the team
has had a festive fan presence at loanDepot park.
"As Venezuelan players, we are playing for our country," Garcia said after
Monday night's 4-2 semifinal win over Italy. "And, of course, putting Latin
America in a high position, showing that we have great baseball, we have great
talent."
Players and coaches avoided discussing the political turmoil between the U.S.
and Venezuela, heightened since the U.S. military captured Venezuela President
Nicols Maduro in January.
"We're here to speak baseball," Acua said. "Our country deserves the game
tomorrow."
U.S. President Donald Trump referenced Venezuela's tournament advancement in a
social media post, writing: "Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I
wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?"
Venezuela upset three-time winner Japan 8-5 on Saturday in its first semifinal
since losing to South Korea in 2009.
"This is the responsibility that I take to give joy to my country," manager
Omar Lpez said. "It was the dream that I shared with everyone, to be in this
situation."
Mark DeRosa is managing the U.S. in the tournament for the second time after
losing 3-2 to Japan in the 2023 final, a game that memorably ended with Shohei
Ohtani striking out then-Angels teammate Mike Trout. The Americans beat the
Dominican Republic 2-1 on Sunday on homers by Gunnar Henderson and Anthony to
reach the championship.
"I feel like we haven't played our complete game yet," Henderson said.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
