MIAMI (AP) — Francisco Cervelli believes Italy won't be sneaking up on opponents in three years at the next World Baseball Classic. “We are no longer the Cinderella,” the Italy manager said after the Azzurri were eliminated with a 4-2 semifinal loss to Venezuela on Monday night.

Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani posted an emotional message to Team Japan after their shocking quarterfinal loss to Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, thanking fans, teammates, and coaches for the experience.

Before each game in the World Baseball Classic, Team Venezuela gathers in a circle in its dugout. As pitcher Eduard Bazardo pounds upon a special drum – known as el tambor – the players take turns jumping into and out of the circle to show off their moves.

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Seiya Suzuki was back at spring training with the Chicago Cubs on Monday and went for an MRI on his right knee that he injured while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

With Venezuela trailing in the sixth inning, the right fielder crushed a 409-foot, three-run home run off Japanese starter Hiromi Itoh to flip the game and spark an 8-5 victory that sent Venezuela to its first WBC semifinal in 17 years.