How did Venezuela win the WBC? Explaining Ronald Acuna Jr.-led squad's run from sleepers to champions

Venezuela won its first World Baseball Classic on Tuesday night, defeating the United States 3-2 in the championship game.

While the United States, Japan, and the Dominican Republic entered the tournament as the three favorites, Venezuela quietly presented a fourth team full of talent. However, Venezuela was overshadowed by those three until the knockout stage.

This year was the first time that Venezuela played in the WBC championship, but the team has always put together a roster that could hang with the contenders. Finally, Venezuela was able to break through after 20 years in this tournament.

Here's how Venezuela was able to come away with its first WBC title.

MORE: Team USA's offense goes quiet in WBC final

How Did Venezuela win the WBC?

Venezuela won the WBC on the back of timely hitting and a dominant bullpen. The team had a deep lineup, from Ronald Acuna Jr. to Jackson Chourio, as seven players had an OPS of at least .788 in the tournament and four different players hit two home runs.

In the quarterfinals and semifinals, Venezuela produced comebacks despite being down by multiple runs at some point. Additionally, in the final, Venezuela brushed off blowing a late lead to produce the winning run in the ninth inning.

EUGENIO SUÁREZ PUTS TEAM VENEZUELA AHEAD IN THE 9TH! pic.twitter.com/LtpLdYII5f

On the pitching side, Venezuela's bullpen was dominant, giving up just two runs in the final three games. Additionally, the bullpen did not allow a home run in each of the knockout stage games.

TEAM VENEZUELA 🇻🇪
CHAMPS 🏆#WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC pic.twitter.com/1hDTJWcI5V

MORE: Maikel Garcia wins WBC MVP

Venezuela's road to WBC title

Venezuela 6, Netherlands 2

Venezuela opened the WBC with a win over a solid Netherlands team. The big inning for Venezuela came in the fourth, when the offense scored four runs to extend its lead to five runs. The bullpen, which was great all tournament, threw seven innings of one-hit ball to close it out.

Venezuela 11, Israel 3

Venezuela dominated Israel thanks to its offense and pitching. Luis Arraez hit two home runs and drove in five, while Enmanuel De Jesus threw five scoreless innings to secure an easy victory in Venezuela's second win of the tournament.

Venezuela 4, Nicaragua 0

Although Nicaragua didn't win a game in the tournament, it gave Venezuela a valient fight in the group stage. However, the Venezuelan pitching was dominant, as seven pitchers totaled nine shutout innings, allowing seven hits while striking out nine.

Dominican Republic 7, Venezuela 5

While both teams clinched a spot in the knockout stage, Venezuela and Dominican Republic battled for who would win the group. It was the D.R. who came out on top, getting to Eduardo Rodriguez and handing Venezuela its first loss of the tournament.

Venezuela 8, Japan 5

In a heavyweight quarterfinals battle, Venezuela stunned defending-champion Japan. Despite being down 5-2 after the third inning, Venezuela rallied as Wilyer Abreu hit a mammoth, three-run home run to give the team a lead for good, as the Venezuela bullpen shut down Japan the rest of the way.

Venezuela 4, Italy 2

For much of the semifinal matchup, Italy was up 2-1 and looked to be headed to the championship game. However, Venezuela rallied in the seventh inning, scoring three runs off Italy pitcher Michael Lorenzen to take the lead for good.

Venezuela 3, USA 2

Venezuela earned its title, defeating a star-studded United States team by a score of 3-2. Eduardo Rodriguez pitched 4.1 scoreless innings, while Eugenio Suarez produced the game-winning RBI in the ninth inning to secure its firs WBC title.

MORE: Breaking down Venezuela's crucial ninth-inning stolen base

Who were Venezuela's best players?

Venezuela's team was full of MLB All-Stars and quality players. While Venezuela's best player is Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., the entire roster is made up of notable MLB players.

Venezuela's captain is Salvador Perez, the Kansas City Royals catcher who won a World Series in 2015. The team's best hitters also include Luis Arraez, Maikel Garcia, Eugenio Suarez, Jackson Chourio, Willson Contreras, William Contreras, and Gleyber Torres.

As for the pitchers, Ranger Suarez and Eduardo Rodriguez led the rotation. However, the bullpen was Venezuela's strong suit in the tournament. Closer Daniel Palencia locked down several games, while Andres Machado, Jose Butto, and Angel Zerpa all played key roles in the WBC.

Who is Team Venezuela's  manager?

Omar Lopez has been Venezuela's manager for the past two World Baseball Classics.

Lopez is a long-time member of the Houston Astros organization, as he began working for the team in 1999. Then, in 2008, Lopez began a stretch of a decade managing several of the Astros' minor league affiliates before joining the major league coaching staff in 2020.

In 2024, when Joe Espada became the Astros' manager, Lopez was promoted to bench coach for the team, which is where he currently works.

Venezuela WBC history