Venezuela captured its first World Baseball Classic title Tuesday night, defeating the United States 3-2 at LoanDepot Park in Miami. Designated hitter Eugenio Suarez delivered the decisive blow, a go-ahead RBI double in the ninth inning off Garrett Whitlock, to stun the heavily favored Americans.

The victory carried profound weight for a nation enduring political upheaval at home, with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro currently in U.S. custody following a military operation in January.

"The country needs this happiness with all the things that we've gone through," Suarez said in Spanish.

Wilyer Abreu provided Venezuela's second run with a solo home run to center field, extending an early lead built on Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly in the third inning. Garcia, who led the tournament with 10 hits, was named WBC MVP.

Veteran left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez silenced the American lineup over 4⅓ innings. Three relievers followed before Bryce Harper jolted Team USA with a tying two-run homer in the eighth inning. Venezuela responded immediately, with Javier Sanoja stealing second base before Suarez lined a seventh-pitch changeup into the left-center gap.

"Obviously I'm not OK with winning silver," Harper said. "But at the end of the night, man, they did it, they won. They fought hard. They played a great game. I've got nothing but respect for them."

Closer Daniel Palencia retired the final three batters in order, ending the game on a 99.7 mph fastball to strike out Roman Anthony.

"I'm sure each Venezuelan was watching this game, and I'm sure they enjoyed it more than us," Suarez said. "Venezuela, as a country, everyone who is here, those who are in our country, deserve this and much more."

The United States, runners-up for the second consecutive WBC, lost 3-2 to Japan in the 2023 final.