There were no dramatic comebacks or last-second heroics for Japan this time in Miami.
Instead, the site that was the launching pad to the World Baseball Classic title in 2023 was where it all came crashing down three years later amid a cacophony of drums and joyful Venezuelans.
Maikel Garcia hit a two-run home run in the fifth, and Wilyer Abreu connected on a three-run shot in the sixth as Venezuela rallied from three runs down against the Samurai Japan bullpen to earn an 8-5 win and a spot in the semifinals at loanDepot Park in Miami on Saturday night.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.