Venezuela defeats U.S. 3-2 to claim first World Baseball Classic championship

Venezuela won its first World Baseball Classic championship Tuesday, defeating the tournament favorite United States 3-2 in the final

Venezuela won its first World Baseball Classic championship Tuesday, defeating the tournament favorite United States 3-2 in the final.

The game was tied 2-2 headed into the ninth inning before Venezuela pulled back in front. Luis Arráez walked to start the inning, then Javier Sanoja stole second after he came in as a pinch runner. Eugenio Suárez drove home the go-ahead run with a double to left center, and then Daniel Palencia retired the side in order in the bottom of the ninth to clinch the title.

Team USA was the favorite to win entering the WBC, but its star-studded lineup went silent for much of its final two games. After it beat the Dominican Republic 2-1 in a controversial semifinal, the U.S. could once again muster only two runs in the final. It had only three hits in the losing effort.

Venezuela opened the scoring in the third inning with a Maikel Garcia sacrifice fly. The Venezuelan bats were live early, recording a hit in each of the first three innings. The South Americans added to their lead in the fifth courtesy of a 414-foot solo homer to center from Wilyer Abreu.

It was largely a bullpen game for Venezuela, but starter Eduardo Rodríguez was fantastic. A pro since 2015, Rodriguez had arguably the finest start of his life. He struck out four and allowed only one hit through 4 1/3 innings, handing a 2-0 lead over to his bullpen.