In a thrilling display of national pride, Venezuela clinched a memorable victory over the United States in Miami, leaving fans and players alike basking in the glory. Ronald Acuña Jr. was right there in the heart of it, tears streaming down his face as Daniel Palenica's blazing 99.7 mph fastball secured the win. For his brother Luisangel, the moment was just as poignant, capturing the essence of a dream realized on the world stage.
Luisangel, speaking through interpreter Billy Russo, expressed his pride before facing Arizona at Camelback Ranch. “I’m very proud of my country, very proud of all the baseball players who went there and represented my country.
That meant a lot. It’s the first time that we won that WBC,” he shared, highlighting the monumental achievement for Venezuela.
The victory resonated deeply with players like Seranthony Domínguez of the Dominican Republic and Sam Antonacci from Team Italy. Both were back in action with the White Sox, with Antonacci making an impact against the Padres. Domínguez cherished the experience of sharing a clubhouse with his country’s superstars, while Antonacci felt the tournament opened new eyes to the sport in Italy.
Other White Sox representatives in the Classic included Kyle Teel (Italy), Curtis Mead (Australia), and Munetaka Murakami (Japan), each bringing their unique flair to the international stage.
In roster moves, Alexander Alberto, picked in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft, was returned to the Rays. Despite not making the Opening Day roster, White Sox manager Will Venable praised Alberto’s efforts and potential.
“He’s got very good stuff, he’s still very much a work in progress. We view him as someone that’s definitely going to be a Major League pitcher,” Venable noted, emphasizing the long-term outlook for Alberto.
The White Sox face a delicate balance in nurturing talent like Alberto and Jedixson Paez, another promising right-hander. While neither had pitched above High-A, the organization remains optimistic about their future contributions. Venable acknowledged the risks but believed in their potential, stating, “We thought they had a chance or that Alberto had a chance.”
In other news, due to scorching temperatures expected in Arizona, the Spring Breakout game against the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch has been rescheduled to a cooler evening slot. Similarly, the Cactus League finale with the Mariners will also take place later in the day, ensuring a more comfortable experience for players and fans alike.