*This content was translated by AI.
Left-hander Ricardo Sanchez (29, Algodoneros de Union Laguna, Mexico), from Hanwha Eagles, shared the joy of Venezuela's first-ever WBC victory. He warmed up when it was tied 2-2 during the final, but his appearance was canceled when he took the lead immediately. Nevertheless, the Altoran-like performance in the semifinals against Italy held the day before became the foothold to lead the team to the championship.
Venezuela beat the U.S. 3-2 in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) final at Rondipo Park in Miami, Florida on the 18th (Korea Standard Time).
The game was simply a close game. Venezuela seemed to easily catch the game by adding one point each in the third and fifth innings, but was hit by Bryce Harper in the bottom of the eighth inning. He allowed a 2-2 tie, but laughed when he added another run in the top of the ninth inning.
Sanchez, who met with Star News on the ground amid the championship ceremony after the end of the game, could not hide his excitement. Sanchez warmed up in a 2-2 situation on the day, but as the team was leading again, closer Daniel Palencia (Chicago Cubs) took the mound instead. He showed good pitching in one ⅔ inning against Italy on the 17th, with no hits, one walk, and no runs, and waited with a left-hander's must-win card, but unfortunately, his participation was canceled.
Nevertheless, when asked how he felt about winning, Sanchez said, "It's amazing, it's fantastic. "I feel really great because I'm not a champion within one country, but around the world," he said, expressing overwhelming emotion.
Sanchez then said, "I've tried Major League uniforms, but I think it feels completely different to win in a national team uniform. I think it's the best moment of my career when I wear the national team uniform," he stressed.
With his good pitching against Italy on the 17th, Sanchez is said to have received many messages of support from Korean fans through SNS. "I know that many Korean fans still remember and support me," he said. I really appreciate the support from Korean fans. I really love Korea and its fans. He even left a heartfelt greeting, saying, "I really want to go back to Korea if I have a chance."
Sanchez, who played in Hanwha's starting rotation in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, proved his ability to work on the world stage through this WBC, although he had to leave Korea due to an elbow injury. Korean fans' support for Sanchez's move is also expected to continue for the time being.
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*This content was translated by AI.
