Miami is buzzing with excitement as the World Baseball Classic lights up loanDepot Park. Fans from around the globe are converging to witness their teams chase glory. Monday night was a highlight, with Italy facing off against Venezuela in a thrilling semifinal.
"Take a look around, does this remind you of Kansas City?"
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 17, 2026
"Not even close." 🤣 pic.twitter.com/1fZb35QtlY
Venezuela emerged victorious, thanks in large part to the clutch performance of Royals' All-Star infielder Maikel Garcia. After the game, Garcia shared his thoughts with former All-Star turned TV analyst Derek Jeter, noting the electric atmosphere of the WBC compared to the usual MLB crowd.
Garcia was quick to praise the WBC's unique vibe. "The big leagues aren't like this.
This is amazing. This is different," he said, expressing how the experience might elevate his play back in the majors.
Salvador Perez, the seasoned Venezuelan and Royals catcher, had prepped Garcia for the intensity. “Before we got here, he told me it’s different,” Garcia shared.
“We played in winter ball, but this is another level. It’s loud, with fans from all over.
We have to perform well. He’s a great captain and really helped us last night.
Thank God we have him here.”
Venezuela's path to the finals was sealed with a 4-2 win over Italy. Down by two runs in the seventh inning, a three-run rally, highlighted by Garcia's decisive single, turned the tide. Now, Venezuela sets its sights on Team USA, aiming for their first WBC title.
Garcia, who earned his first All-Star selection this year with a .286 average, an .800 OPS, and 16 homers, is on fire in the WBC. He’s hitting .421 with an OPS of 1.134, showcasing his talent on the international stage.