In a stunning comeback, Venezuela defeated reigning champion Japan 10-9 in a quarterfinal game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic at the Tokyo Dome on March 16, 2023. Trailing 6-2 in the seventh inning, Venezuela mounted a furious rally, scoring eight runs over the final three frames to secure the victory and a spot in the semi-finals.
The offensive surge was led by key hits from Eugenio Suarez, who drove in three runs, and a crucial two-run single from Luis Arraez in the eighth inning. While Wilyer Abreu did not hit a home run in this game, he was part of the Venezuelan lineup. Shohei Ohtani went 1-for-5 with an RBI for Japan.
Venezuela's bullpen, including Silvino Bracho and Jose Quijada, held Japan's potent lineup in check during the late innings to preserve the narrow lead. The loss eliminated Japan, the two-time and defending champion, from the tournament.
With the win, Venezuela advanced to the semi-finals in Miami, where they would ultimately fall to the United States. The 2023 World Baseball Classic was won by Japan, who defeated the United States in the final.
