Venezuela defeated the hosts United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic, securing their first title. Eugenio Suarez scored the winning run in the ninth inning, securing a victory for Venezuela against a strong American lineup. The game was played amid political tensions, with US President Donald Trump congratulating Venezuela for reaching the final, while suggesting it could become the US's "51st state". Venezuela dominated the American lineup, with starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez controlling them for long periods. The South American team took the lead in the third inning, followed by a home run from Bryce Harper in the eighth.