The Venezuelans needed an outstanding performance from their starting pitcher if they wanted to have a chance against the dynamic U.S. squad in the World Baseball Classic final, and Eduardo Rodriguez delivered.
Rodriguez kept U.S.’s lineup at bay and earned internet praise
Rodriguez threw 4.1 innings and only gave up one hit and one walk. When Venezuela’s manager Omar Lopez took him out of the game, the largely Venezuelan crowd gave him a thunderous round of applause for his efforts.
Venezuelan fans give Eduardo Rodriguez a standing ovation after holding Team USA scoreless across 4.1 innings pic.twitter.com/aZ3hFIdo9H
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 18, 2026On Twitter/X, several accounts also applauded his efforts while also poking fun at the U.S.’s inability to hit the experienced but faded pitcher.
Eduardo Rodriguez has certainly had his struggles, including in the WBC, but slugger Kyle Schwarber is now 0-for-9 with 5 strikeouts off him.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 18, 2026Venezuela ended up winning the WBC in outstanding fashion, thanks to Eugenio Suarez’s RBI double in the top of the ninth, which clinched La Vinotinto’s 3-2 win. And, whenever someone tells the story of this Venezuelan team, Rodriguez will be a big part of it.

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