USA overcome with emotion after WBC defeat: 'Loved it. But I'm still pissed.'
USA TODAY
The Americans went 5-2 at the 2026 WBC – but lost the emotional championship game to Venezuela.
MIAMI — They sat in the clubhouse late Tuesday evening still numb, with several stars so distraught that tears streamed down their faces.
Team USA spent only two weeks together, but they bonded quickly in Arizona, hung out for 10 days in Houston, and by the time they reached Miami, it felt like they’ve been teammates their entire careers.
This is why it stung so badly, losing 3-2 to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic title game. Several players were so angry that when they were given their silver medals on the field, they yanked them off their neck before even getting back to the locker room at loanDepot Park.
“It hurts, it really hurts," said USA designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who struck out three times. “I always say you expect to win a baseball game when you walk out of the room, and to not have that to have that happen? It hurts.
“But give credit to Venezuela."
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