Venue: loanDepot Park \u2014 Miami, Florida, USA<\/p>\n
The stage is almost set for the grand finale of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. As Team USA defeated the team from the Dominican Republic last night in a close, hard-fought pitcher\u2019s duel\u2014that was not without controversy\u2014tonight\u2019s semifinals match-up will determine their opponent.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the result, Team USA will face off against a team making the final round for the first time in the tournament\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
After knocking Japan out of the tournament in Saturday\u2019s upset victory, Venezuela now has their eyes on the prize with the goal of defeating Italy tonight and the United States on Tuesday. The Venezuelan team presents a very well-balanced front. Their solid, top-ten offense has hit .276\/.354\/.482 with 11 doubles and eight home runs while demonstrating speed on the bases with eight steals. Their pitching staff has posted a 3.20 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP and 48 strikeouts so far, but they\u2019ve also given up the fourth-most home runs.<\/p>\n
Taking the mound tonight will be Detroit Tigers righty Keider Montero, who is making his first start of the tournament. Montero previously pitched three scoreless innings of relief against Nicaragua, giving up three hits and striking out two batters.<\/p>\n
Should he be in the lineup tonight, Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar could continue to be a spark plug for Venezuela. Tovar is shining in the international spotlight. Against Japan he went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a stolen base, and solid defensive play.<\/p>\n
Venezuela will be facing the surprise top seed and only remaining undefeated team in this year\u2019s tournament: Italia.<\/p>\n
Italy has never made it to the final four in the history of the World Baseball Classic, let alone gone undefeated while facing baseball powerhouse opponents like Mexico and the United States. Italy defeated both in convincing fashion with both exuberance and flair. Their designer jacket, espresso machine home run celebration, and of course il bacio from their captain Vinnie Pasquantino draw your attention while their strong play on the field keeps it.<\/p>\n
Italy\u2019s potent lineup packed with talent like Kansas City Royals stars Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone have hit a combined .287\/.401\/.581 with 12 home runs\u2014the second-most in the tournament to this point. They\u2019re also a perfect 8-for-8 in stolen bases.<\/p>\n
Their pitching staff\u2014while not as flashy as other delegations\u2014has quietly turned in repeated strong performances. Their 3.40 ERA and 1.20 WHIP have gotten the job done, and their 54 strikeouts are the fourth-most of any team. Italy\u2019s pitching has also kept bats quiet when it comes to home runs, giving up just four.<\/p>\n
Italy originally planned to send Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen to the mound tonight, but will instead have Philadelphia Phillies ace Austin Nola make the start instead. Nola worked five shutout innings against Mexico his last time out, striking out five batters while giving up four hits and a walk.<\/p>\n
Depending on how tonight\u2019s game goes for Nola, Lorenzen may appear out of the bullpen. If he does not\u2014and Italy wins\u2014Lorenzen is the likely starter for the championship game.<\/p>\n
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM<\/p>\n
RHP Keider Montero vs RHP Austin Nola<\/p>\n
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